For Brides: Should I Do a First Look?
During the planning process, I often get asked by brides if they should do a first look. My answer varies depending on the couple. I’ve photographed many first looks and gift/letter exchanges for those who choose not to see each other, and they are always special moments. If you’re trying to decide if you want to do a first look on your wedding day, continue reading to see if it’s an event you’d benefit from on your wedding day!
What is a First Look?
A first look is often done between the bride and groom, the bride and her father, or the bride and bridesmaids. This can be a special moment for those involved, often filled with emotion, and done shortly before the wedding ceremony. First looks are meant to be an intimate moment and usually done in a private area.
Should I do a first look?
If you’re contemplating on doing a first look, consider what is important to you and your fiancé.
Some couples choose not to see each other before the ceremony to save that special moment of seeing each other for when they come down the aisle. Other couples choose to have a first look in order to have a quiet moment together before the excitement of the day starts.
A lot of brides hope that their groom will have an emotional response to seeing them for the first time. Although these are touching moments when they happen, some grooms are so nervous during the ceremony that they have a hard time expressing more than a big smile. To be honest, this is very common and pictures of emotional grooms on social media can put pressure on them to have a strong reaction.
If saving that moment for the ceremony is special to you, you might choose not to have a first look.
Letters and Gift Exchange
Some couples choose not to see each other before the ceremony but still want a moment alone. Rather than doing a first look, some couples choose to exchange letters, a prayer, or gift instead. Doing this allows you to still have an intimate moment together before the ceremony without seeing each other.
Benefits of Doing a First Look
Nerves
Doing a first look is a great way to release those pre-wedding jitters and nerves.
If you or your fiancé get nervous in front of crowds, you might feel a little uneasy during the ceremony. If this applies to you, you might consider having a first look before the ceremony to release some nervous energy and have a quiet moment together.
If you or your fiancé choose to write your own vows but want to share them privately, a first look could be a great time to do so.
Alone Time
A lot of couples feel that once the ceremony starts, the rest of the wedding day goes by so quickly. Depending on your wedding guest list, you could be surrounded by a sea of family and friends for the rest of the day. A first look sets time aside for the two of you together before the rush of the wedding day events.
Wedding Timeline Flexibility
From a photographer’s perspective, doing a first look allows for additional time for portraits of the bride and groom. If you choose not to do a first look, the portraits of the two of you are done after the ceremony and with limited time to make it to the reception.
If your wedding timeline allows for it, taking some portraits after your first look can add a variety of portraits to your wedding gallery.
I want to note that a first look isn’t just a photo opportunity and that’s not my goal as a photographer. Some couples allow photographers or videographers to capture the moment, which is a privilege, and some choose to be totally alone during the first look. At the end of the day, it comes down to what is important to you as a couple, and what would make your wedding day your definition of perfect. Happy planning!
