The First Look Explained & The Benefits of Having a First Look

A “First Look” is when a couple sees each other on their wedding day before their wedding ceremony. It is a private moment for the couple, away from the eyes of family and friends, which of course goes against customs and traditions. It’s something that a lot of brides are hesitant to consider but we’re here to tell you that there are so many benefits of having a First Look!

Do you know where the idea behind the wedding couple not seeing each other before they walk down the aisle comes from? It was originally created when arranged marriages were typical. Since the bride and groom never met before getting married, the bride’s family wanted to wait until the very last second for the groom to lay eyes on her so that he couldn’t back out of the marriage. And while some brides still want to stick to tradition and not be seen before walking down the aisle, here are a few reasons why you may want to give it some consideration:

It’s Easier on the Timeline

Most brides and grooms want to get to the celebration part of the day as soon as possible. The First Look allows that to happen! If you and your groom opt for a First Look before the ceremony, your photographer can get all the photos that the day requires ahead of time. In turn, you get to move on to your reception right after the ceremony! You don’t have to miss your cocktail hour, and guests aren’t waiting around for an hour to congratulate you. You’ll be able to mingle with your guests and enjoy being married!

You Get More Photos

With a First Look, you can take all the time you want for creative portraits! You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography, and if having beautiful photos together is important to you, then the First Look is the way to go. Since guests won’t be waiting for you after the ceremony, you can schedule all the photos beforehand and take as much time as you’d like. This allows for you and your wedding photographer to roam the wedding property, look for beautiful light, and take some gorgeous wedding photos. There’s no rush, so it’s a relaxed, fun time, which means less stress on you! And more time means more photos ;). Also, it’s such a special moment. Some of our favorite wedding photos have happened during the First Look!

It Calms the Nerves

Unlike at the alter, it’s just the two of you – nobody else is watching. He can tell you how beautiful you look, hug you, whisper in your ear, and tell you how he absolutely cannot wait to marry you. It can help calm both of your nerves by having those moments together before heading to the ceremony. That way, you can truly relax, be present in the moment, and enjoy the rest of the day!

Intimacy

We saved our favorite reason to have a First Look for last. It’s also the most overlooked reason. And it’s something that no one really thinks about (aren’t you guys glad we’re sharing our experience? :)). Unless you choose a First Look, the Bride and Groom will have no alone time together! Isn’t it ironic? On a day that’s all about the two of you, you don’t get to enjoy any of it alone.

A wedding is a whirlwind of celebrations and emotions. Cherish the time you get to spend together reflecting on the true meaning of your wedding day. It will be just you and your groom during the First Look which will probably be one of the only times that you are alone on your big day.

Now, with all that being said you are not required to do a First Look by any means! And we hope you never feel pressured into doing one. Your wedding day is YOUR day, and your photographer will be there no matter what you choose. Some couples feel very strongly about not seeing each other before the ceremony, and that’s okay too! Our goal is to share all the benefits of having a First Look and our experiences as your photographer to help make the decision easier for you.

Whether you choose to have a First Look or stick to tradition, it is always best to discuss this choice with your photographer so that we can come up with the best shooting plan possible. Either way your day is going to be the best day ever!