Ah, the first look – that heart-fluttering moment when you lock eyes with your beloved before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins. It's a decision many couples grapple with: should they stick to tradition and wait until the ceremony, or opt for an intimate sneak peek beforehand? Let's dive into the pros and cons of having a first look on your wedding day, and why it might just be the perfect choice for you.
First Looks Explained
Before we kick into the pros and cons, it's probably a good idea to elaborate exactly what a first look is, and why they are becoming so popular in the wedding scene.
The first look is a scheduled time before the wedding ceremony, after the couple has gotten dressed where they will see each other for the first time on the day, take some portraits together, share an intimate moment and possibly share some private vows before going to the official ceremony of their wedding.
Pros of Having a First Look
1 - Emotional Intimacy
The first look offers a private moment for couples to connect and share their emotions 5 the eyes of their guests upon them. It's a chance to embrace, shed a few happy tears, and reaffirm your love in a more intimate setting, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
As mentioned a few sentences ago, it is also quite popular for couples to share private vows to each other at this point, particularly if they are having something like a Catholic ceremony where often there are traditional vows that the couple must say at the expense of their own written vows.
2 - Relaxed Atmosphere
By having a first look, couples can alleviate some of the nerves and jitters that often accompany the walk down the aisle. Seeing each other before the ceremony can help calm nerves and create a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to truly savor the moment when you say "I do."
From the guys' perspective, even though this is something joked about often, there can be some pressure to cry when seeing the bride for the first time at the end of the chapel. However, any pressure or distraction that is going to take you out of that special moment is definitely something you should consider reducing the impact of or getting rid of entirely. The first look is perfect for this.
If you are quite a shy bride and feel like you would not enjoy the eyes of all your guests on you while you walk down the aisle, the first look is also a good opportunity for you to take a more untraditional approach and instead walk down the aisle with your husband to be, instead of meeting them at the altar...
Something to think about :)
3 - Extended Photography Time
Opting for a first look allows for more flexibility in your wedding day timeline. It provides additional time for capturing those precious couple portraits and bridal party shots before the ceremony, freeing up more time to mingle with guests during the cocktail hour.
Another thing to consider here is that it also allows you the break up the photo sessions into multiple parts, meaning that you are less likely to feel tired and drained towards the end of your portrait session, because they have been laid out in more bite sited chunks throughout the day.
4 - Maximize Daylight
If you're planning an evening ceremony or a winter wedding when daylight is limited, a first look can ensure you make the most of the available natural light for your photographs. This can result in stunning, luminous images that truly capture the magic of your special day.
The weather on the day can also have a big effect. For example, if you were hoping to have your portrait session outside during golden hour but noticed that there are some storm clouds scheduled for that time, it may be a good idea to do your couple portraits earlier in the day as part of the first look so that you can still get a bit of daylight and stay dry.
Disclaimer - doing the portrait session outside earlier in the day when the sunlight is a little more harsh can make the light a little unflattering compared to golden hour lighting. To remedy this, chat to your photographer and venue about finding a shady spot, or hope that there is cloud cover on the day.
Cons of Having a First Look
1 - Breaking Tradition
For some couples, the allure of tradition is too strong to resist. Opting for a first look means deviating from the classic moment of seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle, which may not appeal to those who hold tradition dear.
You would hate to disappoint Granny by straying from her idea of a traditional wedding!
2 - Rushed Schedule
Incorporating a first look into your wedding day timeline requires careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. Without proper coordination, it's easy for the schedule to feel rushed, leaving little time to breathe and soak in the moment.
What this looks like in reality, particularly for the brides, is your getting ready time starts off a few hours earlier than in a more traditional timeline format.
If you would like to get access to the Wedding Day Timeline Guide including templates for both weddings with first looks and those without, download a copy from my Freebies page here.
3 - Lost Element of Surprise
One of the most cherished aspects of a wedding ceremony is the element of surprise when the bride walks down the aisle. Having a first look means sacrificing this moment for the sake of convenience, which may diminish the anticipation and excitement for some couples.
There is something incredibly special about seeing the person you are about to marry on either end of the chapel for the first time on your wedding day, especially after all the anticipation of wondering how incredible they are going to look and what wave of emotions will rush over you!
4 - Added Pressure
While the first look can be a beautiful moment, it also adds another item to your wedding day checklist. Some couples may feel added pressure to look picture-perfect or worry about staging the moment just right, detracting from the spontaneity and authenticity of the experience.
There is also a logistical stress that often causes some issues. Having the bride and groom positioned perfectly within the same area so that there can still be the WOW moment when they see each other for the first look often results in the groom accidentally seeing the bride before they setup or photo/video team are ready.
In Conclusion
The decision to have a first look at your wedding is a deeply personal one that should reflect your unique relationship and preferences.
Whether you choose to embrace tradition or blaze your own trail, the most important thing is to prioritize what feels right for you as a couple. So, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime – first look or not, your love story is sure to shine bright on your wedding day!
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