As a wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I hear from couples is whether they should do a first lookbefore their ceremony. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a first look is a private moment where the couple sees each other before walking down the aisle. While the traditional route of waiting for the ceremony is still beautiful, there are some undeniable benefits to having a first look. Let’s dive into why this special moment might be perfect for your big day.
1. Eases Wedding Day Nerves
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and jitters before walking down the aisle. Seeing your partner beforehand can help calm those nerves and replace anxiety with a sense of peace and joy. Many couples say they feel much more relaxed for the rest of the day after having this special moment together.
2. A Private & Intimate Moment
Your wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, and lots of people! A first look gives you a rare opportunity to share an intimate moment with just the two of you (and your photographer capturing it from a distance). It allows you to connect, soak in the emotions, and express your love freely before the whirlwind of the day begins.
3. Get Photos Out of the Way So You Spend More Time Together
A first look allows you to take full advantage of natural light and capture breathtaking portraits without being rushed. By getting your couple photos done beforehand, you free up more time to be fully present with each other and your guests later in the day.
4. You Get to Join Cocktail Hour
Without a first look, most of your formal photos happen after the ceremony, which often means missing out on cocktail hour. But with a first look, you can get most of your portraits done beforehand, leaving more time to mingle, relax, and enjoy delicious food and drinks with your friends and family.
5. If You’re Having a Winter Wedding, You Can Have a Later Ceremony
Winter weddings come with shorter daylight hours, which can limit photography opportunities. A first look allows you to take advantage of natural light earlier in the day while still being able to plan a later ceremony, giving you the best of both worlds.
6. Doesn’t Take Away from the Emotion of the Aisle Moment
One of the biggest concerns couples have is that a first look might take away from the emotional impact of seeing each other at the altar. But in reality, it often enhances it! The first look allows you to react naturally and authentically, without the pressure of standing in front of all your guests. And in my experience, I have never seen a first look diminish the emotion of the aisle moment—if anything, it makes it even more special.
Final Thoughts
While a first look isn’t for everyone, it offers countless benefits that can enhance your wedding day experience. It creates a beautiful, intimate moment, helps ease nerves, allows for more stunning photos, and gives you extra time to enjoy your celebration. Whether you choose to do a first look or stick with tradition, the most important thing is to make a decision that feels right for you as a couple.
If you’re considering a first look and want to ensure it’s captured beautifully, I’d love to chat about how we can make it unforgettable! Let’s create memories that last a lifetime.
Are you planning a first look for your wedding? Share your thoughts in the comments!
