Should We Do a First Look?
A common decision couples face when planning their wedding day is whether to do a "first look" before the ceremony or wait until walking down the aisle to see each other for the first time. This moment is often charged with emotion, anticipation, and excitement, but whether it’s best to experience it privately before the ceremony or in front of all your guests is a matter of personal preference.
There are definitely pros and cons to both sides of this, so let's dive in.
Reasons to do a first look:
More Private & Intimate: You get a quiet, private moment together before the excitement of the ceremony starts, without the pressure of having everyone watching. This is often your only chance to be alone together during your wedding day! Having the first look early allows you to get the nerves out of the way and share your love together before the day gets busier. It also provides a private chance to read your vows to each other and enjoy the intimate moment.
Better for Photos: Doing a first look means you can take many of your portraits before the ceremony, giving you more time to enjoy the reception with guests. Depending on your timeline, there can often be just a small window of daylight left for the two of you after the post-ceremony family photos, along with feeling rushed to get back to your guests.
Flexibility in Timeline: With portraits done early, you have more flexibility if the ceremony or reception runs late. It also means you’ll have more time for candid moments during the ceremony and reception.
Great for Larger Weddings: If you're planning a large wedding with a sizable guest list and a complex ceremony schedule, a first look can help streamline your day. You’ll have already completed your portraits and bridal party shots, which means you won’t need as much time after the ceremony for formal photos. This allows for a smoother transition to the reception and more time to spend with your guests.
Reasons to skip the first look:
Less Anticipation
For many couples, the moment they see each other for the first time during the ceremony is one of the most anticipated and emotional parts of the day. A first look, while special, can take away some of that raw, emotional energy. Walking down the aisle is a deeply symbolic moment, and for couples who’ve dreamed of that moment, a first look may feel like it diminishes the excitement of the ceremony.
If you’re someone who values tradition and wants the aisle walk to be the moment you first lay eyes on your partner, a first look might not be for you. The surprise, the joy, and the shared experience of seeing each other for the first time can be one of the most memorable parts of the day.
Less of a Grand Entrance
Part of the excitement of a wedding is the grand entrance... the dramatic moment when the bride walks down the aisle. Some couples feel that a first look detracts from the significance of that moment. The anticipation of seeing each other for the first time in front of all your loved ones is something that many couples cherish. If you’re imagining the traditional walk down the aisle as the pinnacle moment of your wedding day, you may want to reconsider doing a first look.
It’s not all black and white.
Alternatives
As with most everything in life, there are options and alternatives. Choosing whether or not to do a first look is not a black and white decision. Here are a few alternatives you could incorporate into your wedding day to have special moments with friends and family, while saving the big reveal to your spouse for the aisle.
First Touch: You and your partner stand back to back, or in separate rooms, without seeing each other, but you can still hold hands or exchange letters or gifts. This creates an intimate connection without actually seeing each other.
First Look with Family/Father/Bridal Party: If you still want a "first look" moment, consider doing a reveal with your family or bridal party instead, which can be just as emotional and intimate.
