SHOULD YOU DO A FIRST LOOK?
The wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, and the moment you see your partner for the first time can be incredibly special - regardless of it happening when you walk down the aisle, or privately beforehand. Either way, deciding whether or not to include a first look into your wedding day is a big decision.
Reasons to Consider Doing A First Look
1. Intimate Moment
A first look allows you to share a private moment away from the hustle and bustle of the day. In the midst of all the excitement, taking a moment to connect with your partner can help ground you. This intimacy can set a beautiful tone for the rest of the day.
2. Photography Opportunities
Photographers often love first looks because they create stunning images. With the couple alone, without guests around, you can capture raw emotions in a controlled environment. These pictures often turn out to be some of the most cherished from the day.
3. Reducing Pre-Ceremony Nerves
Seeing your partner before the ceremony can help ease any pre-wedding jitters. Sharing this moment can provide comfort and reassurance, allowing you to enjoy the ceremony without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Time Management
A first look can streamline your wedding day timeline. By taking photos before the ceremony, you can maximize the time spent celebrating with guests afterward. This way, you won’t feel rushed to get through portraits after the ceremony.
5. Creative Freedom
With a first look, you have the freedom to choose a unique location for your reveal. Whether it’s a picturesque garden, a favorite spot from your dating days, or an intimate indoor setting, you can personalize this moment to reflect your relationship.
Reasons to Skip the First Look
While a first look can be appealing, it’s not for everyone. Here are some reasons why you might choose to stick with the traditional reveal.
1. Preserving Tradition
For many couples, the moment of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony is steeped in tradition and significance. It can symbolize the beginning of your new life together, and preserving this tradition might feel more meaningful.
2. Emotional Build-Up
The anticipation leading up to the ceremony can amplify emotions. The moment you walk down the aisle and see your partner can create a powerful, emotional experience that might be lost if you’ve already shared a first look.
3. Family and Guest Experience
A first look is a private moment, which can be at odds with the desire to share this experience with family and friends. If you want your loved ones to witness the moment you see each other, the traditional approach may be more suitable.
4. Personal Preferences
Some people simply prefer the idea of a grand reveal at the altar. If you or your partner are more traditional, the first look may not align with your vision for the day.
5. Time Constraints
For some couples, the timeline of the wedding day doesn’t allow for a first look. If your ceremony is in the evening or you have a packed schedule, it might be more practical to save the reveal for the aisle.
Best of Both Worlds: A First Touch
Another option couples have been choosing to include in their wedding days is a first touch. Unlike a first look, the couple will not see each other before their ceremony. However, a first touch allows them to still meet up privately beforehand. Typically with a first touch, couples will read private vows or letters to one another — creating a memorable and intimate moment.
Ultimately, whether to have a first look is a personal decision that should reflect your relationship and preferences. Take time to discuss what feels right for you as a couple, and consider what aspects of your wedding day are most important. Whatever you choose, the love you share will be the highlight of your day!
Hey, I’m Elissa!
I’m a Nebraska-based wedding and elopement photographer specializing in documentary-style photos that feel like you.
I think it is so important for you and your partner to feel comfortable in front of my camera, so I prioritize creating a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you’re considering a first look or not — I’d LOVE to help capture it! Let’s get in touch and start planning the dreamy details.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
