The conversation of whether or not you should do a first look comes up with almost every couple I work with. So, in this blog post, I really want to take some time and break it down. A big wedding timeline question is whether to do a first look—a private moment where you see each other before the ceremony. While some couples love the idea, others prefer to wait for the traditional aisle reveal. If you’re on the fence, here are some pros and cons to consider.
PROS OF A FIRST LOOK
📸 More Time for Photos Earlier = More Time with Guests Later
This is a main driver for couples wanting to spend more time with their guests. With a first look, you can get most of your couple’s portraits, wedding party, and even some family photos done before the ceremony. This means you’ll have more time to enjoy cocktail hour and be present with your guests after your ceremony.
💫 A Private, Intimate Moment
A first look gives you a quiet and emotional moment together before the whirlwind of the day begins. It allows you to soak in the excitement (without all eyes on you), calm your nerves, and make the rest of the day feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
📷 More Couple Photos
Having a first look allows you to dedicate time to portraits in different locations. Couples who choose a venue for its beautiful scenery love that they can highlight different backdrops. They also receive 15-20% more couple photos than couples who opt out of a first look.
🎭 Captures Raw Emotions
A first look gives your photographer the chance to capture your reactions up close in a way that isn’t always possible during the ceremony. If you’re worried about missing that emotional “aisle moment,” many couples find they experience both! On a personal note, my husband and I had a first look, but we still bawled our eyes out during the ceremony. LOL—point being, a first look does not take away the magic of your ceremony!
Cons of a First Look
⏳ Breaks Tradition
If you’ve always dreamt of the moment your partner sees you for the first time as you walk down the aisle, a first look might take away some of that anticipation.
⏰ Earlier Start Time
A first look means front-loading your day with portraits and key moments before the ceremony. This may require an earlier wake-up call for hair, makeup, getting dressed, and possibly longer coverage time with your photography team.
🌅 Lighting Considerations
Depending on your venue and ceremony time, the lighting may be more flattering later in the day. If you’re hoping for golden-hour portraits, you may still want additional photos post-ceremony.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether to have a first look is a personal choice! If you love the idea of an intimate moment and a relaxed timeline, it can be a wonderful addition to your day.
I love that couples aren’t afraid to break tradition and do what suits them. About 90% of my couples choose to do a first look. It’s the preferred choice for couples who want to spend more time with their guests. However, for couples with a small guest count or no wedding party, it’s much easier to skip a first look and still see your guests at cocktail hour since there are fewer photos to get through.
No matter what you choose, your wedding will be filled with beautiful, unforgettable moments—just as it should be!
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