3 Reasons to Consider a First Look at Your Wedding

What is a First Look?

A first look is a dedicated, private time for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the first time a groom might see the bride at the wedding is when she is walking down the aisle. While not every couple chooses a first look, they are becoming more and more popular for wedding days. I won’t lie, I’m a huge proponent of first looks and I’d thought I’d offer a few different reasons below!

1.) Timeline management:

Having a first look at your wedding is a great way to maximize each hour of your day. If you want to be able to spend time with your guests at cocktail hour, then doing a first look is a great option for you. By having a first look, you’ll be able to complete formal couple portraits, bridal party and family photos before the ceremony. Then, you’ll sign your marriage certificate and immediately get to go party with all your friends and family for the remainder of the evening.

Additionally, if you are having a fall or winter wedding, you might also be fighting against a faster setting sun. Weddings notoriously run late. It’s a fact of life! If you wait for formal portraits until after the ceremony and your day is running late, you might quite literally run out of daylight hours and miss the opportunity for any formal couple’s portraits.

2.) You get to spend the whole day together:

One complaint I hear from couples who didn’t choose a first look is, “We didn’t have a moment to ourselves the whole day!” By choosing a first look, you will have a dedicated together time in a completely hectic and busy day. The first look is scheduled early in the day so you get to spend the entire wedding day together, not just the ceremony and later. If being able to be together on your wedding day is important to you, then definitely pursue a first look!

Also, if either of you gets a bit nervous in front of people, a first look is also a great option to see each other before the ceremony and get all those butterflies out!

3.) Two portrait sessions:

If you are on the fence about doing a first look, consider what photos are absolute priority to you. Which photos are you going to share for years to come? Which photos will you print and frame in your home? Typically, these are photos of you as a couple. If you choose a first look, you’ll likely have the option to do TWO different portrait sessions and maximize the opportunity for portraits of the two of you together. The first portrait session is completed during the first look and the second, at the beautiful golden hour.

If you are just starting your wedding planning and need help with timeline management and planning, please feel free to reach out or message me on insta! I love to plan and I’d love to speak with you about your goals for your own wedding. First looks won’t be for every couple, but if you’re on the fence, I hope this helped you with your decision!