One of the questions your wedding planner or wedding photographer may ask you before your wedding day is whether or not you would like to do a first look. While we believe deciding to do a first look is definitely a personal preference, we have put together this blog with the pros and cons of a first look, to help you decide.

Beautiful bride with a large colourful bouquet looking out the window | The pros & cons of a first look.

What is a first look?

Before we get started with the pros and cons of a first look, I want to just quickly explain what a first look is! Traditionally on their wedding day, a couple will see each other for the first time when walking down the aisle. A first look is a bit of a break from that tradition where the couple will see each other before the wedding day.

The pros of having a first look

There are a number of reasons why couples are choosing this as an option on their wedding day, so let’s look into those first!

It can be a very emotional moment

There is something magical about the first time your significant other sees you ready to get married. It provides you both a private moment with just your partner to share before having all of the attention from walking down the aisle. This can be something captured on the camera and don’t worry we’ll have kleenex on hand!

You have more time to take photos.

Having a first look is another photo opportunity to share with your partner and family before the ceremony. This can provide an easier timeline for your day so you can spend more time with your guests after the ceremony. Plus, if you’re having a winter wedding, this can allow for more photos during daylight hours as well.

Can help to reduce nerves.

Seeing your partner privately before the ceremony can help reduce and pre-wedding jitters! No one is going to help calm you down like the person you’re marrying.

More location options for photos

Including a first look will often give you more options for different locations to have photos in. Without a first look, you’ll often only have photos at the ceremony or reception sites for ease of timeline.

A little bit of alone time

If you ask any recently married couple they will tell you that the day just flies by! This is your opportunity to just soak in the day! All without the pressure of your guests will all eyes on you. It’s just you and the love of your life – and maybe a photographer hiding somewhere!

More time with your wedding guests after the ceremony.

A first look allows you to spend more time with your guests during cocktail hour. Having photos before the ceremony can mean that some of the couple shots are already taken ahead of the ceremony so this can open up more time for you to take pictures (this also helps with the timeline in case of challenging weather) and instead spend time with your guests in between the ceremony and reception.

The cons of having a first look

For some of you, these reasons are enough for you to say yes to having a first look on your wedding day. However, there are several couples who weigh up the pros and cons of a first look and decide that it’s not for them. Here are some of the reasons why.

It is not traditional.

If tradition is important to you, then a first look might not be right for you. There are people who believe that it’s bad luck and like to keep their wedding more traditional. If tradition is something that’s important to your family, it may be worth a discussion to see what is right for you.

Less time to get ready.

If you plan on having a first look at your wedding, you may be rushed to get ready in time before the ceremony. A first look will take up more time before the ceremony, so if you need the extra time to get ready beforehand or have an earlier ceremony, it might not be the best option for you.

Dress may get dirty & flowers may wilt

By having photos before the ceremony, it provides an opportunity for your dress to get dirty and flowers to wilt before you walk down the aisle. As your wedding planner, I will be there to keep an eye on any concerns and will be sure to mist those flowers to help keep them fresh!

Pressure for emotion

Some couples may feel pressured to have a huge reaction and feel like they need to have full-blown tears in order for the first look to be worth it. Having a photographer present definitely can add to this pressure if you are not totally comfortable with the idea. This isn’t true for all couples but is something to keep in mind.

Lighting may not be ideal.

Most first looks happen during the morning because they take place before the ceremony. Lighting can be harsh so it may prove to be a little more challenging to get a certain look for those photos. Depending on your venue or wedding timeline, this may not be a huge issue for you. However, this is something to discuss with your photographer if you’re at all concerned.

Bide and groom laughing about to kiss in front of a large white house | The pros & cons of a first look

Some alternatives to a first look with your partner

If you’ve weighed up the pros and cons of a first look and decided that it’s not right for you, we have some other suggestions that you may like.

A first look with parents.

If you want to save the first look with your partner for the aisle, there are certainly other options! A first look with your parents could be just as special and emotional. A first look between a bride and her father would totally make for that heartwarming moment.

First look with the wedding party.

Another option could be a first look with the wedding party. Once your hair and makeup is done, you can do a big reveal in your dress for your wedding party. Then your photographer can be ready to capture the moment you walk out to your wedding party and capture their reaction.

A twist on the first “look”

This option could be perfect for certain couples! You want to keep the tradition alive, so you “see” each other with blindfolds. This gives you the opportunity to talk to your partner and calm any nerves before the wedding but without taking away the surprise. Additionally, these photos could be super sweet to look back on!

Weighing the pros & cons of a first look: What is right for you?

When it comes to the pros and cons of a first look, there really is no right or wrong answer! Having a first look is completely up to you. Some of the cons on this list might be way more important to you than the pros and that’s totally fine. What is important is whatever is going to make your wedding day more special to you. This is a conversation for you and your partner and only you can decide if it is right for the two of you!

No matter what you choose, the first time you see your partner will be a beautiful moment regardless, whether it’s a first look or at the end of the aisle. At Defined Luxe Events, we are so excited to help you make your wedding dreams come true. We will work to plan a timeline together that will work either way. If you’re considering a wedding planner for your day, get in touch and we can talk about what your wedding day could look like with Defined Luxe Events on your vendor team.