To start off, if you’re not sure what a first look is, it’s when a couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. Instead of having the groom see the bride for the first time while she’s walking down the aisle, they see each other prior to the ceremony.
Deciding whether or not to do a first look with your bride or groom is something that can be difficult to decide. I’m here to help you figure out what is best for you!
One thing to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to do a first look is what time your ceremony is and what time sunset is. If your wedding is in the fall or winter months, then you know the sun sets early – typically between 5 and 5:30. Ceremonies are typically around this time, if not a little earlier. With late ceremonies, it’s almost impossible to get those sunset photos after the ceremony. With this being said, if you’re having a later ceremony in the fall-winter months, then I recommend doing a first look. By doing a first look, it allows you to get most of your photos done before the ceremony so that it’s less you have to do after the ceremony – this way you’re not rushing to get a bunch of photos done before the sun sets, which can be stressful.
If a first look is something that you’re having a hard time deciding on, let’s go over some pro’s and con’s of doing one!
Pros
- Nerves – if you’re someone who gets nervous very easily, then this is one way to get some of those nerves out of the way and spend a few moments with your significant other without anyone else around!
- Time – if its worked into your wedding day timeline to have a first look, depending on how much time is alotted, you may have more time before ceremony to get your photos done rather than doing them after the ceremony. This can allow you to get more photos out of the way. Sometimes, pictures can be rushed after the ceremony because of reception start times and entrances.
Cons
- Tradition – when you do a first look, you don’t get that initial reaction like you would if you waited until you walked down the aisle. If you’re one for traditions, then a first look may not be the best option for you, and that’s okay!
- Getting ready – more than likely, if you do a first look, you will have to be ready a lot sooner than you would if you weren’t doing one. This is so that you will have enough time before the ceremony to do a first look. Trust me, you don’t want to be rushing on your wedding day!
Alternative options
If you don’t want to do a first look, but still want a moment alone with your significant other before the ceremony to decompress and get some nerves out of the way, then consider doing a first touch.
First touches are special in the fact that you still get that initial first look walking down the aisle, but you still get to spend a few moments with your soon to be husband/wife alone. Couples can also do gift exchanges or reading of their vows during this time if it is something that they plan on doing. This is definitely a great option if you’re torn between doing a first look and not doing one!
Hopefully this helped you in deciding whether or not to do a first look!
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out me!
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