Bride, one of the most important questions you may ask yourself in your wedding planning is: “Should I do a first look?” And after 5 years of being a wedding photographer, do you know what I have discovered? There is no “one size fits all” answer. What may work for one couple may not be your cup of tea! And that is ok because this is YOUR wedding day and it should be what you want! The best decisions are made with the most information, which is why I am writing this blog. I’m here to unpack all things “First Look” so that you can make the best decision for your Best Day Ever! So grab your iced caramel latte, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
What is a first look?
First, we need to establish what a first look is! A first look is when a bride and groom set aside an intimate moment to see each other for the first time a few hours before their ceremony. Some couples even exchange private vows and/or give each other a wedding day gift. First looks are typically private (the couple and their wedding photographer and videographer).
A first look may be for you if…
Now that we have established what a first look is, it’s time to see if it may be right for your wedding day. Every couple is different, so this list is to help guide you in your decision-making! You may want to do a first look if:
1. You and your fiancé want to settle nerves before walking down the aisle
First looks can be a great way to settle those wedding day butterflies. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but choosing to do a first look can actually help calm those nerves, allowing you to fully enjoy the rest of your day. It also gives you more time to spend with your partner, helping you to truly soak in every moment of the day together.
2. You want a genuine reaction from your groom
The idea that a first look makes the ceremony less meaningful is untrue. In fact, many couples find that a first look adds to the emotional experience of the day. There is actually more freedom for emotion with a first look. Nerves could get the best of you both at the altar and in front of a crowd. (Especially when all eyes are on you!) Having that private moment before the ceremony allows you and your soon-to-be spouse to share genuine reactions without the pressure of an audience. Bride, with a first look, you get to experience an up-close raw reaction from your groom! You get to hug, kiss, and truly take in this moment of just the two of you before saying, “I do.”
3. You want a variety of couple portraits
Did you know that having a first look provides approximately 40% more bride and groom portraits? Without a first look, all family formals, full bridal party, and couple portraits must be taken after the ceremony. This means that you would only have 25 to 30 minutes for bride and groom portraits. If you choose to see each other before the ceremony, you can have a “pre-ceremony” portrait session. With my couples who choose to do a first look, I like to take between 45-60 minutes for bride and groom portraits BEFORE they are married. Because we are not racing against the sunlight, we relax and take our time with these photos. Not only do you get sunset “after ceremony” couple portraits, but you would also have pictures in the daylight!
**PRO TIP:** First looks serve as weather insurance for your wedding day! If all photos are taken after the ceremony and it rains, you might miss out on capturing many portraits of you as a couple. Having a first look ensures you’ll still get beautiful bride and groom photos before the ceremony, even if it rains.
4. You want to attend cocktail hour
Cocktail hour offers the perfect chance to connect with all your friends and family! By opting for a first look, you’ll only need to take the bride and groom portraits after the ceremony, which frees up time to interact with your guests before the reception starts. Once the reception kicks off, it can be challenging to engage with everyone personally, so I always advise couples to carve out a few moments to soak in the cocktail hour. This is particularly important if you have loved ones traveling from out of town—you’ll want to make the most of your time together!
What happens if I don’t want to do a first look?
Even if you decide not to do a first look, there are other ways to incorporate an intimate moment with your future spouse before the ceremony. In my years of wedding photography experience, I have seen couples choose to do a “first touch” or “first prayer.” Some couples even choose to stand back to back and exchange private vows. These first-look alternatives still allow you to exchange a private moment with your fiancé without seeing each other.
Final First Look Thoughts
As a wedding photographer in Huntsville, Alabama, I have witnessed many weddings choose to incorporate a first look, while others decide against it. At the end of the day, there is no wrong decision! As said in the beginning of this blog, this is YOUR wedding day! Make it your own! Take into consideration your wedding timeline, the time of year, and what you want your overall wedding photo experience to be. If you want extra time for bride and groom portraits or want more time with your wedding guests, you may want to consider doing a first look! One thing is for sure: whatever you decide, I know your wedding day will be the Best Day Ever! Happy planning!
XOXO, Miranda
Hey friend, I’m Miranda! As wedding photographer based in Huntsville Alabama, I have had the joy of serving so many brides and grooms and capturing their Best Day Ever! If you are engaged and starting to plan the wedding of your dreams, first of all CONGRATS, and secondly let’s connect!
Inquire with me here!
In case you want to check out more on the blog:
5 Tips for Getting Ready in Your Wedding Day
