Oh, the wedding first look! Such a beautiful, and intimate moment on the day of the wedding. Yet many brides today are still uncertain – is a first look an option they should consider?
As a wedding photography studio, you may be surprised to hear that your preference has no effect on how we work, whatsoever! You will likely read and hear from other vendors that the first look is the way to go. Often, it’s recommended because of how it “saves time!”
But there is so much more to consider than just saving time. That’s why we’re writing this guide for you to have an unbiased view of whether or not to have a wedding first look.
Let’s dig in.
The Wedding First Look Guide
What is a Wedding First Look?
It goes without saying, a wedding first look is the first time a couple sees each other prior to the ceremony. At least, that’s the industry descriptor of it.
However, at its technical level, the first look is the first time a couple sees each other – whether that be at the ceremony as the bride comes down the aisle, or at an appointed time prior to the ceremony.
In this guide, we’ll be referring to seeing each other at the ceremony for the first time as the “traditional first look,” and seeing each other prior to the ceremony as the “first look.”
Traditional First Look
Pros and Cons of a Traditional Wedding First Look
Let me be clear in saying this – there is no true con to having a traditional first look.
It has been stigmatized that being traditional is living in the past. However, traditions exist for a reason. Often, they are beautiful things.
That said, let’s start with the Cons so we can end on a happy note.
Cons of a Traditional Wedding First Look
- Tighter Timelines – because a traditional first look does not allow a couple to see each other prior to the ceremony, it forces them to avoid each other until after the ceremony. Creating a tighter timline.
- Less Time for Photos – Because of the tighter timelines, aside from getting ready photos and individual photos, all photos will be squeezed into a shorter amount of time directly after the ceremony. Bridals, bridal parties, and family photos. (And families are not the easiest to manage right after a ceremony!)
- Playing Cat and Mouse – If getting ready in the same area, there is the constant game of making sure couples do not see each other prior to the ceremony. This means before a bride can go into another room, they have to send someone to check the room.
- High Expectations – Many brides want the traditional wedding first look because they want their groom to be emotional as they come down the aisle. Unfortunately, grooms can feel a bit of stage fright in front of guests and may not show their full emotion during the ceremony. (But when they break, it’s great!)
These are just some of the cons of a traditional wedding first look, but let’s focus on the good parts!
Pros of a Traditional Wedding First Look
- Allows Time for Special Moments – Couples who don’t want to see each other prior to the ceremony can still have an intimate moment before the ceremony. Whether it be through holding each other’s hand in prayer around the corner or sharing personal vows.
- Marriage Focus – This isn’t to say a first look isn’t marriage-focused, but when the focus is on each other rather than the photos, it’s easy to tell.
- A Big Reveal – Let’s revisit the idea of grooms who get stage fright. Well, on the opposite end are the grooms who are not afraid to wear their emotions on their sleeves. And I’ll leave it at this – it’s as special as it seems when a groom is overcome with joy.
- Traditional is No Longer Traditional – The fact of the matter is that a traditional first look is no longer traditional. More couples do a wedding first look prior to the ceremony than those who don’t. So for the brides who want to break tradition or what has become the norm – this may be the way to do it!
The First Look
I’m not biased toward a traditional or modern first look – but I would be lying as much as Amber Heard if I said that there are fewer cons and more pros to the first look before the ceremony.
So, in fairness, let’s begin with the cons.
Cons of a Wedding First Look
- Breaks Tradition – For some brides, breaking traditions that their parents and grandparents may feel odd. Or, if the family of the bride or groom is incredibly traditional, they may be upset over doing a first look prior to the ceremony.
- May Need to Retouch Hair and Makeup – First looks usually end up in happy tears and big hugs! So it may be beneficial to keep hair and makeup around a while longer.
Pros of a Traditional Wedding First Look
- Easier Timeline – Having the flexibility of seeing each other prior to the ceremony means a couple can walk about freely (after the first look). This means no checking rooms before entering and walking at one’s own pace. It also makes things easier because family photos can be accomplished before the ceremony!
- More Time for Photos – On the topic of photos, it actually means all photos can be completed before the ceremony. Bridal portraits, bridal parties, and family photos. This means once cocktail hour begins, couples can join their guests, rather than walk away for photos.
- Reduce Anxiety – Grooms often say that their reason for anxiety on the wedding day is waiting to see the bride. With a first look, couples can relieve so much stress just by seeing each other!
- Open to Express Oneself – Again, we’re going to talk about stage fright. When no one is around (except the photographer of course), there is no need to perform! Often, couples who describe themselves as unemotional find themselves to be overwhelmed with emotion! Love. Captured!
- Different Location from Ceremony – This is a pro that isn’t talked about enough. While ceremonies in churches and chapels are often beautiful, their lighting is usually…not. Having a first look allows a couple to see each other for the first time in a beautiful and intimate location. It makes for great photos and memories.
So there we have it! Your guide on a wedding first look and the pros and cons between traditional first looks or the first look of today.
