Should I do a first look for my wedding?

First looks – should you do one? Let’s take it back a step as you may be wondering, “what even is a first look and why should I do one??”

A first look is when you have a private moment with your partner prior to the wedding ceremony and typically includes the suspenseful and exciting “moment” where you see one another for the first time on your wedding day prior to the ceremony.

Traditionally the first look used to occur when walking down the aisle, but there are multiple reasons why a pre-ceremony first look is a great choice.

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First looks are ideal when you have limited time (and sunlight) between the ceremony and reception for family photos, bridal party and couples portraits.

If you have a limited amount of time between the ceremony and reception time for couples portraits, a pre-ceremony first look will allow you to get couples portraits, wedding party photos and even family photos in before the ceremony, freeing you up to enjoy the cocktail hour and mingle with your guests.

And if your ceremony will be taking place later in the evening, you don’t want to be racing the sunset to get your perfect pics.

Another reason you may want to opt for a first look is that you want the first time see your partner on your wedding day to be an intimate moment shared just between the two of you (and your photographer).

A first look takes the pressure off and allows you to interact authentically without the added audience peering in on the special moment and calm pre-ceremony jitters for some couples who are reassured by the presence of their partner 👀 Usually being able to touch and just be present with your significant other feels like a giant weight has been lifted off your shoulders .

Some couples have been anticipating that rush of emotions that come from the suspense of not seeing one another prior to the ceremony and their partner’s reaction to seeing the bride walk down the aisle for the first time is always photo-worthy. Neither way is rig

With all that being said, the top reasons for having a first look are time and personal preference (an intimate moment just to yourselves).ht or wrong, it’s all about what feels right to you as a couple! 

Want more tips like this? See my list of what I wish I had known and my wedding planning timeline checklist!

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