As wedding photographers, one of the most common questions we hear from couples is, “Should we do a first look?” The decision can feel daunting, and rightfully so. Let’s break down the pros and cons of having a first look from our perspective as the ones behind the camera.
What is a First Look?
A first look is an intimate moment between the couple before the ceremony where they see each other for the first time, away from the eyes of guests. It’s usually beautifully orchestrated by the photographer, who captures this private emotional exchange. This trend has gained popularity in recent years, but it’s not always for everyone.
The Pros of Having a First Look
1. Private, Emotional Moment
First looks allow you and your partner to experience an intimate moment before the whirlwind of the day begins. With only your photographers there, the emotions are often raw and candid, leading to genuine, heartfelt photos. Couples who feel nervous about expressing emotions in front of a crowd may find comfort in the privacy of a moment together.
2. Calms the Nerves
Wedding days can be intense, especially if you’re feeling anxious about walking down the aisle. A first glance provides the opportunity to see your partner and share a calming moment together, easing those nerves before the ceremony. Many couples tell us that their stress melts away after this special meeting.
3. More Time for Photos
One of the biggest advantages is that a first look allows you to take most of your formal photos—couple portraits, wedding party shots, and even family photos—before the ceremony. This frees up time after the ceremony to enjoy your cocktail hour or mingle with guests. You won’t feel rushed or worried about missing the best lighting for your portraits.
4. More Time with Guests
Without a first look, the bulk of your portrait sessions will be squeezed in between the ceremony and reception. If you prefer to dive into the celebration and spend time with your guests, a first look is ideal. You’ll have more flexibility to enjoy your day without feeling like you’re disappearing for long periods to take pictures.
The Cons of Having a First Look
1. It Breaks Tradition
Traditionally, couples don’t see each other until the moment the bride walks down the aisle. If you’re sentimental about keeping this classic wedding tradition, then a first look might not be for you. There’s something undeniably magical about locking eyes with your partner for the first time as they stand at the altar.
2. You Might Need to Start Your Day Earlier
Scheduling a first look means starting your wedding day earlier, sometimes a couple of hours ahead of what you might have planned. This can feel like added pressure, especially for those who are already concerned about early morning hair and makeup schedules. It can also mean squeezing more into an already tight timeline.
3. Less Excitement for the Ceremony Aisle Moment
Some couples fear that having a first look might lessen the impact of the aisle moment. While it doesn’t take away the significance of the ceremony itself, if you dream of that breathtaking, heart-stopping moment when your partner sees you for the first time at the end of the aisle, then skipping this might be the better option.
What Happens If You Skip the First Look?
Skipping the first look allows you to stick to tradition, and you can still get stunning photos throughout the day. However, this choice requires more careful planning. You’ll need to allocate enough time between the ceremony and reception for all formal photos, which may limit your time with guests.
From a photographer’s perspective, if you skip the first glance, we recommend building a robust timeline so that there’s plenty of time for portraits. We often suggest scheduling a “sunset session” to get those gorgeous, golden-hour shots without interrupting your day. The key is to ensure we capture your love story without rushing.
First Touch
A “First Touch” is a beautiful alternative to a traditional first look, offering a way for couples to share an intimate, emotional moment without actually seeing each other before the ceremony. During a first touch, the couple meets in a private location, often standing back-to-back or around a corner, and hold hands or exchange a few words. This allows them to feel each other’s presence, calm their nerves, and even share personal vows or a prayer while preserving the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. It’s a wonderful way to maintain tradition while still connecting in a meaningful way before the big moment.
Our Advice
As wedding photographers, we’ve seen the magic of both approaches. First looks offer a chance for a personal, emotional moment and more flexibility with your timeline, while skipping the first look honors tradition and builds excitement for the ceremony.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what feels right for you as a couple. Whether you opt for a first look or decide to go the traditional route, we’ll be there to capture every meaningful moment of your day, ensuring you have photos that reflect the emotion and beauty of your love story.
Have questions about whether a first look is right for your wedding? Let’s chat! As your wedding photographers, we’re here to help guide you through these important decisions.
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