First looks are rapidly growing in popularity. But, what is a first look, and how do you know if it’s right for your wedding? While all of this is purely up to you and what you desire out of your wedding I have created a list of why you may or may not want to have a first look to help you decide if a first look is for you!
What is a first look?
One of the most popular wedding traditions/superstitions is that it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other on the day of the wedding. As more and more couples are moving away from tradition and into the modern era, new traditions are forming. A first look is one of these new modern traditions. A first look is when a couple unveils their wedding day outfits to each other before the ceremony. When creating a wedding timeline, you usually want to place a first look a couple hours before the ceremony so you have plenty of time to capture that as well as any other photos you may want.
Why you may want a first look
It creates a private moment between you and your soon to be spouse
Having a first look can create a private moment between you and your soon to be spouse where you can fully appreciate each other and get ready to say your “I do’s.”
It can give you more time for pictures before the wedding
After you have your first look you can have some of your couple portraits taken before the wedding, where if you stick with the traditional way of doing things you won’t have any couple portraits taken until after the ceremony. More pictures before the ceremony means you get to your reception faster!
It may ease your anxiety before the ceremony
If you’re not a fan of being in the spotlight, or you don’t want your ugly crying publicized, having a first look may be the perfect way to ease those anxieties. When you make your first look a private moment, there’s not as much hinging on how you react, so you can feel ALL the feelings without an audience.
Why you may not want a first look
Tradition is important to you
New isn’t for everyone, and if tradition is one of the most important things to you then a first look is not it. It can be fun to have a traditional wedding, and if that’s your goal then go for it, just save the first look for the aisle!
You want the walk down the aisle to be the peak of your wedding
I’m not saying that if you have a first look the walk down the aisle won’t be special, there just might not be as much build up to it. If you and your future spouse are dedicated to not seeing each other before the wedding, there is going to be a lot of build up to taking that walk. While it’s not for everyone, if you enjoy being in the spotlight, you might consider taking the traditional route.
You don’t want to get ready earlier
If you’re doing a first look you may have to get ready earlier. A first look is generally one of the first pictures you take after you get dressed, so if you want a little extra time to get ready or you want to get a later start, a first look might not be for you.
Other first look options
Whether you choose to do a first look with your fiance or not you may want to consider other first look options. A first look doesn’t just have to be between you and your partner, there are other fun opportunities for a first look. You can do a first look with your bridesmaids/groomsmen or with your parents or even siblings. Having a first look with other family members or members of the bridal party can be a great middle ground for someone who wants a first look but also wants to stick to tradition. It’s the best of both worlds!
Having a first look can be a fun, intimate moment between you and your future spouse. You can also leave it out for a classic, traditional wedding. Or, you can mix it up with some other first look options and include your family and/or friends in this new tradition. Just keep in mind, whatever you choose should fit you and your fiance and reflect your combined personalities.
