To First Look or Not To First Look...

Ah…it’s the age old question – to have a first look or not?

Like most things in life, there are pros and cons to both. Let’s explore both options to help you determine what is best for your wedding.

First Things First – What is the “first look”?

Because I eat and sleep weddings, the term “first look” is pretty common. However, if you’re just starting to plan your wedding, you may be wondering what the heck I’m talking about. So, if that’s you, let me explain.

The “first look” is a scheduled time before your wedding ceremony. Your first look is scheduled after you and your fiance are all dressed up and ready for your wedding ceremony. You will usually work with your photographer and your planner to choose a beautiful, secluded location where you can “stage” the look. Your photographer will also usually be there to capture this moment – which almost always creates wonderfully, emotional and touching images. (First look images are almost always my favorite images from the entire wedding!) The first look allows you to have an intimate moment prior to your wedding ceremony, when you’re not on display in front of your family and friends, and you can just be together. Many couples use the first look as a time to exchange love letters, give each other special gifts or just enjoy one more moment of loving affirmation before the your ceremony.

Cons of the First Look

Some couples are unsure about the first look because they have dreamed of having that moment of surprise when the groom looks down the aisle to see the bride for the first time. Couples sometimes worry scheduling a first look will take away from this experience. Personally, I think this is less of an issue than couples imagine it to be. Even if you decide to do a first look, the moment you see each other down the aisle is still special. The energy of the ceremony is intense – and you will still feel that emotional excitement in that moment.

Benefits of the First Look

There are many benefits to the “first look”. The first (and most helpful benefit) is allowing you (and your photographer) plenty of time of your wedding photography. If you’re open to scheduling a first look, you afford yourself the opportunity to take the majority of your wedding photographs before the ceremony. This takes the pressure off of the cocktail hour after the ceremony. Therefore, the first look allows you to simply enjoy your cocktail hour and reception – without worrying you only have 45 minutes before sunset for all of you wedding photos.

The second benefit is the first look allows for one more intimate moment of connection between you and the love of your life. At the end of the day, your wedding is all about you and your fiancee – right?. A first look carves out a little time on the hectic wedding day that is just for the two of you. It’s a really special time when you can just be together before the excitement of the wedding.

Image by Imagine Photography

How to determine what is the best choice for you?

I encourage all of my couples to consider incorporating a first look into their wedding day timeline. Most of the time the benefits of a first look out way the negatives. However, if it doesn’t feel right in your gut – don’t do it. I will say from experience, the first look relieves a lot of pressure and stress from the wedding day.

If you follow this process – and I know you’ll make the right decision for you.