Should We Have a First Look or Not?
One decision that couples often grapple with is whether to have a "first look" before the ceremony. This private moment between the soon-to-be-married couple has both its advantages and disadvantages. As a wedding photo and video team, we are here to document the wedding day in the way that is best for the couple. And, we leave it up to the couple to decide wether or not to do a first look. With that said, we’ve got some thoughts based on our years of experience for couples to consider before making their final choice. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of having a first look and will help you make an informed decision for your special day.
Pros of a First Look:
A personal connection in private. Sharing a private moment allows the couple to express their emotions freely without the pressure of an audience. Some couples choose to do a private vow exchange at this time as well. This creates a more intimate setting for sharing personal and heartfelt words with the pressure of a crowd.
Easier logistics for family and bridal party photos. Having a first look allows for more flexibility in capturing bridal party and family photos before the ceremony. Group photos with family are, generally speaking, a necessary challenge of the wedding day. It needs to happen, but it’s not typically a lot of fun. What is fun is cocktail hour and the reception. Having a first look can streamline the wedding day timeline by providing time before the ceremony for group photos. Which means more time to have fun at cocktail hour.
Calm your nerves. Seeing each other beforehand alleviates the pre-ceremony nerves, allowing both partners a chance to relax a bit more and enjoy the day. Though the ceremony is still very momentous and sacred, a first look reminds you that you and your partner are in this together.
Special photo opportunities. A first look provides a chance for your photographer to capture genuine reactions without the pressure of all the guests and making sure no one’s view is blocked. A first look also naturally leads into capturing portraits of just the bride and groom.
Cons of a First Look:
You don’t see each other for the first time during your ceremony. Some couples value the tradition and symbolism of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. If you do a first look, you don’t have this moment.
The ceremony has maximum anticipation. The buildup to seeing your partner at the ceremony creates a sense of anticipation and excitement – some couples really want to savor that feeling.
It may feel overly staged. Though this rarely happens, some couples worry that a pre-arranged first look might feel a bit forced or rigid. Since the photographer and/or videographer is typically present at this time, they may feel pressure to have a reaction that plays well to the camera. Which, would not feel authentic.
Disappointing traditionally-minded guests and family. Some guests may expect the couple's first meeting to be at the altar, and if they find out they had a secret first look they may be surprised or disappointed.
Our Recommendation for Couples
After capturing weddings for couples over many years, our expert opinion is that the wedding day goes best when couples do choose to have a first look.
The combined factors of calming the nerves of the couple, making group photos more streamlined, and allowing more time in the schedule to celebrate all make a first look our recommendation for the couples we work with.
Of course, we’ve captured weddings with or without a first look, and the priority is doing what is right for the couple. So, if seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony is important for you, that’s great!
In Conclusion…
The decision of whether to have a first look on your wedding day is up to you and should align with your values and priorities. Discuss this with your partner to ensure you are on the same page and consider the overall tone you want to set for the day – whether it be the heightened anticipation of the traditional aisle reveal or the intimately shared moments of a first look.
Reflect on your personal comfort levels with expressing emotions in private versus in front of a larger audience. Envision how the choice of a first look would complement or detract from your wedding day. Does it enhance the overall experience, or does it detract from the natural flow of events?
Remember, your wedding day is a reflection of your love, your journey, and the commitment you are making to each other. Whether you choose to have a first look is up to you, the main thing is that you are getting married and building a life of love together.
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