First Look

A “first look” is a special moment for couples on their wedding day. It’s that private moment where couples take a break from the hustle and bustle of the day and go off just the two of them to see each other for the first time all dressed up in their wedding outfits. It’s a way to capture the pure joy of the moment and preserve it forever in photos. But while there are plenty of benefits to having a first look, it isn’t always the right choice for every couple.

The Pros of a First Look

One of the biggest benefits of a first look is the chance to get a “private moment” away from all the chaos of the wedding day. Couples can go somewhere quiet and romantic, such as a garden or a secret spot in the woods. With just the two of you, you can share a sweet moment without the pressure of all the guests watching or the time constraints of the formal reception.

Another benefit is the ability to get most of their photos taken before the ceremony. This sets the couple free during their reception to mingle with their guests and not have to worry about leaving for a large photo session. Most couples enjoy having the freedom to wander around during the reception, mixing in with guests and saying hi to people they don’t see often.

The Cons of a First Look

If wedding tradition is important to you and you want to keep your ceremony traditional, then a first look is going to take that away. Having a first look means the big reveal will no longer be when the groom sees the bride walk down the aisle. The big moment gets taken away and might not be as emotionally impactful.

For photography purposes, if a couple chooses not to do a first look, it can be a lot more problematic. This can leave photographers in a bit of a bind if there are timing issues or in the event of bad weather. If a couple wants full outdoor shots with lots of daylight, then the time it takes for the couple to have their first look will limit the time for those shots.

The Bottom Line

Choosing to have a first look on your wedding day is a personal decision that every couple needs to make depending on their own priorities. While there are pros and cons to having a first look, it comes down to the couple’s individual needs to determine whether or not it is the right choice.