Should We Do a First Look?

Before you decide whether to try or nix the first look, consider the pros and cons of embracing what’s becoming a romantic tradition.

Picture this: Your groom is standing a short distance away with his back turned. You walk up in your wedding dress, carrying your bouquet, and tap your groom on the shoulder. He turns around and sees you for the first time on your wedding day during a special, private moment… (awwww)!

It used to be considered “bad luck” for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. Today, many brides and grooms decide to have a first look. This can be a lot of fun – surprising each other and enjoying this unique time alone together while getting rid of some wedding jitters. Plus, your wedding photographer will capture fantastic images!

Benefit

Your wedding photographer can get the majority of your photos taken prior to your ceremony. That means you wouldn’t have a large time gap between the ceremony and the reception, which allows more time with guests and or simply time to breath and not feel rushed.

Benefit

You get a private moment between just the two of you, plain and simple. (Which you’ll learn quickly come few & far between on your wedding day). You share tears, share a few laughs and can really just be ‘in the moment’.

Con

Even though you’ll still be left with great reaction first look photos, you simply don’t get the same reaction when you’re walking down the aisle.

Con

The earlier you take your photos, the earlier you’ll need to be ready! Since a first look essentially pushes your wedding timeline up a few hours – AKA – a longer day. Keep this in mind when building your wedding day timeline.

First Look Inspiration