The First Look: What is it and should you do it?

WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK?

"First Look" is an incredibly intimate moment for a couple in their wedding attire, where the bride and groom get to see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

For many couples, this moment is one of the most memorable parts of their wedding day, and it’s something that they will always remember fondly.

And, of course, that's when the big question comes: Should we do a First Look?

First looks are a great way for couples to get the most out of their wedding day and ensure they get all the right photos before the ceremony.

If you are looking to do a first look at your wedding, here are some tips to help you decide.

As a professional wedding photographer, I understand the importance of capturing these intimate moments and know how to make it work for the couple.

The best way to ensure that your First look photos turn out perfect is to plan ahead with your photographer. Discuss what kind of shots you want, where you want them taken, and any other essential details. Your photographer will be able to help guide you through the process and make sure that everything goes smoothly. With proper planning and preparation, your first look photos will be something that you cherish forever!

WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO A FIRST LOOK?

Doing a first look on your wedding day can be an incredibly special moment for you and your partner. It allows you to have a private moment together before the ceremony when all of the stress, fears, jitters, or nerves are gone.

Many couples even mention that they feel calmer and more present during their ceremony after having done a first look.

If you tend to get emotional when seeing your partner for the first time, doing a first look can also help with that!

You do not have to worry about ruining your makeup or having to freshen up afterward if you do cry.

Additionally, taking your and your family's formal portraits before the ceremony will free up more time for you to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.

Doing a first look is definitely something worth considering on your wedding day!

Here are some unique reasons why you would want to do a first look.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PICTURES

Having great pictures to look back on after your wedding is essential to the experience.

When brides were asked what they wished they had spent more money on, 21% said photography.

This means that having quality photos is a priority for many couples.

LOOK YOUR BEST

You can relax knowing that you’ve already had beautiful photos capture how stunningly fresh-faced and dressed up you both were at the start of it all.

You can both be sure that you will look amazing all day, but getting those first looks in before the ceremony and reception is when you are looking your absolute best.

Your hair is perfectly styled, your makeup has been applied with precision, and neither of you has had the chance to get any dirt or dust on your clothing yet.

Plus, if anything happens to go wrong later in the day, at least you know that some perfect shots are already taken!

SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR GUESTS

The wedding day is a particular time for the bride and groom, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity to spend quality time with your guests.

One way to ensure you get the most out of your wedding day is to plan a first look.

This allows you to take all of your photos before the ceremony so that you can enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests.

You’ll have plenty of moments throughout the ceremony and reception that will be perfect for capturing those special glances, laughs, and tears.

But there’s only one first look, so make sure you don’t miss out on this important moment.

YOU WILL NOT MISS COCKTAIL HOUR

If you take your portraits and your family's formal portraits before the ceremony, you won't have to worry about missing out on the cocktail hour.

This is especially important if you have a destination wedding or if there is limited time between the ceremony and reception.

Taking care of these photos beforehand will allow you to enjoy many cocktail hours with your guests without worrying about taking pictures.

Plus, it will give you more time to mingle and catch up with your guests.

BE PRESENT AT YOUR WEDDING

Your wedding day is one of the most vital days of your life, and it will go by in a flash.

With so much to do and plan for, it can be hard to take it all in.

That’s why having a photographer capture those unseen moments right before you walk down the aisle is so essential.

It’s also important to remember that for every tradition or moment, you want to include on your wedding day, something extra needs to be done by you or your partner.

For example, if seeing each other at the ceremony is very meaningful to you, then other things need to be adjusted accordingly to make that happen.

Planning ahead and being present on your wedding day will ensure that all of these special moments are captured and remembered forever.

PRIVACY! YOU WON’T HAVE ANYONE’S EYES ON YOU.

When you plan a first look, you will have the privacy to share an intimate moment with your fiancé without anyone else around.

This is especially important if you are having a large wedding and don’t want to worry about everyone watching as you exchange vows or share your first kiss.

Having this private moment together can be incredibly special and will give you both time to take a moment before everything starts.

There will be no onlookers, no photographic evidence taken on smartphones by attendees, and no customary celebrations or applauding.

It will be a special moment that only belongs to you!

WHY A FIRST LOOK MIGHT NOT BE FOR YOU

For some couples, the traditional wedding experience is important, and they may want to continue with it.

Seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day when the bride is coming down the aisle is a special moment that many couples cherish.

It can be not easy to give up this tradition in order to have a first look.

In addition, having a first look means that you will need to be ready earlier than would be normal on your wedding day.

This could mean more stress and pressure on an already busy day. For brides who are very particular about their dress, there is also the risk of it getting dirty if you walk around outdoors for your “first look.”

All of these factors should be considered when deciding whether a first look is right for you.

Ultimately, it should be your decision, and you should do what makes you feel most comfortable on your big day.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In conclusion, a first look is a great way to capture the emotion of your wedding day and get some fantastic photos.

It’s important to plan ahead and ensure that you have enough time for the photos and a backup plan in case of bad weather.

And it would be best if you remembered that a first look is not for everyone. Some couples prefer to wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

If you decide to do a first look, make sure that it is something that both of you are comfortable with and that it fits into your overall wedding timeline.