First looks might not be quite as new of a concept as it used to be, but as a wedding photographer one of the most common questions I see couples grappling with as they plan their dream wedding is: should we do a first look? So, if you find yourself asking that very question – whether it be now or in the near future – let me walk you through some major reasons why couples choose a first look, and a few pro-tips for how to connect one-on-one with the love of your life if you decide to skip it! 

While first looks are relatively common these days, its ok if you’ve never heard of them! First and foremost, a first look is a special moment carved out on your wedding day for you and your significant other. It’s a time before the ceremony where you get to see each other all dressed up for the first time on your wedding day. Traditionally, your big ceremony entrance is where couples see each other for the first time, but first looks have become really popular in recent years as the wedding industry has changed, and, in my opinion, for good reason. Let’s get into why…

Emotional Connection:

I think one of the most compelling reasons to do a first look is to be intentional about being able to soak in as many individual moments of your wedding day as possible. Getting married is a BIG DEAL. And it comes with some big nerves, and big feelings. Seeing each other before the ceremony is such a great way to ground yourselves, to share your excitement, and to just really cherish what is about to happen (you’re about to get married!!)

One-on-One Time:

Another reason to do a first look is that it allows you and your partner to have more one-on-one time together on your wedding day. Lets be real, your wedding day will FLY BY. It just always does. UNLESS, you’re intentional about the time you share together, just the two of you. A first look is such a great way to have a few extra moments alone, amongst a busy, busy day.

Timeline:

And lastly, this is (in my opinion) probably the biggest reason to do a first look – the timeline. As a wedding photographer, the timeline is always on my mind! If a couple opts out of having a first look, all formal wedding photos typically occur after the ceremony, during the cocktail hour. This includes family, wedding party, and couples portraits, which can consume the entire cocktail hour. While this is totally doable, taking all photos during cocktail hour leaves little time for you to enjoy the beautifully planned festivities and connect with your guests before the reception. With a first look, you can get your portraits done, leaving any other formal photos to be completed quickly after the ceremony!  

HOWEVER. If you DON’T want to do a first look, you can still have an INCREDIBLE wedding day. Here are some ideas to support a more traditional wedding day, sans first look!

Extended Cocktail Hour:

While the timeline can get crunched if you do a typical 60 minute cocktail hour, if you extend it even by about 30 minutes you’ll be able to do all your couple and family portraits, while still being able to enjoy your cocktail hour for a little bit. 

Take a Moment:

Whether you have 10 or 15 minutes alone in a private room before entering the reception or a private last dance at the end of the night, alone on the dance floor, there are plenty of ways to connect with your partner on your wedding day.  Whatever you choose to do, I always recommend taking a minute to soak in the gravity of your wedding day with your newly minted spouse. Your wedding day is the culmination of months of planning, but it’s just the beginning of a lifelong marriage. It is SO important to internalize that together at some point on your big day.

Team first look or not, there are so many ways to enjoy a special moment with your partner on your wedding day. First looks can be amazing (the photos alone, can you imagine!) but so is honoring whatever your dream is for your wedding day! It is YOUR day, after all! 

If you’re a busy bride and want to hear a little more about why I love first looks – then take a listen to my podcast episode all about first looks, here!