First look wedding photos are nothing new but as your big day approaches, this is a decision you will have to make based on what feels right to you both. Before laying out these pros and cons (and these are only some of them), let’s start with the basics.
Image by Birch and Lace
What exactly is a first look?
A first look is a moment between you and your fiancé, before the ceremony, where you see each other for the first time on your wedding day. Traditionally, a bride and groom will see each other for the first time as the bride starts her walk with her escort down the aisle.
Image by Danielle Blancher Photography
First Look Pros
✨ It’s a private moment that’s all for you. Your photographer and videographer will of course be there with you to capture this but no guests, family and friends are watching you. And with that, nobody has their iPhone out trying to snap a pic of their own.
✨ You can stay in the moment longer. When you do the reveal at the ceremony, your officiant will jump right in to the ceremony itself. Wedding days go by so quickly and this time allows you both to soak up the beauty of the day and shifts your focus to the love you have for each other.
Image by Photo House
✨Ladies, if you end up shedding some beautiful tears (and most likely you will), you get a chance to touch up your make up before the ceremony.
✨You get to select the location. If your venue has a stunning staircase or another amazing location, such as along the water, awesome! Or perhaps you want to return to the spot where you met for the first time, doing a first look gives you this opportunity.
Image by HRM Photography
First Look Cons
✨Typically, doing a first look means getting ready in your wedding day fashions earlier and staying in them longer. And brides this may also mean an earlier wake up time for hair and make up for you and your ladies.
✨Your parents, bridal party and guests won’t be part of this moment. Yes, I mentioned this as a pro above, but not every couple will see it the same way. The first time you see each other may be meaningful moment to your parents and missing out on that may not sit well with them. Not sure how they feel? Just ask.
✨If you opt to do your portraits following the first look, you won’t actually be married yet.
Image by Sounds Like Yellow Photography
As a planner, I’m occasionally asked by my couples if they should do a first look. While I’m happy to lay out the pros and cons as it relates specifically to their wedding day, ultimately, they have to make the decision that feels right for them. Remember, you make this decision together! It’s nobody else’s day but yours so you do what feels best.
Happy Planning!