Should you have a first look?

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly. One of the big decisions you will need to make is whether or not to have a first look before the ceremony. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of having a first look on your wedding day versus not having a first look.

Couple shares a first look at The Fox Theatre before their wedding ceremony.

What is a First Look?

A first look is a private moment between the bride and groom before the ceremony. The couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, often with a photographer present to capture the moment. The first look can take place anywhere from a few hours to a few minutes before the ceremony, depending on what the couple prefers.

Pros of Having a First Look

Time Together: A first look can give the couple some time alone to soak in the moment before the ceremony. This can be a great way to calm any nerves and to just be together before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

More Time for Photos: With a first look, the couple can get some of their formal photos out of the way before the ceremony, freeing up more time for photos with family and friends after the ceremony.

Emotional Moment: Seeing each other for the first time can be a very emotional moment, and having a first look allows the couple to have that moment in private.

Cons of Having a First Look

Traditionalists: Some couples may prefer to stick with tradition and not see each other until the ceremony.

Ruins the Surprise: For some couples, the moment of seeing each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle is one of the most exciting parts of the day, and a first look can take away from that moment.

Scheduling: Having a first look can add an extra layer of scheduling to the day, which can be stressful if not planned properly.

Ultimately, the decision to have a first look or not comes down to personal preference. If you are a traditionalist who wants to stick to the classic timeline of not seeing each other until the ceremony, then skip the first look. However, if you want a private moment to calm any nerves and take in the moment with your partner, then a first look may be the perfect fit. No matter what you choose, make sure to communicate with your photographer and wedding planner to ensure that the day runs smoothly and stress-free.