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One of the most significant decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding timeline is whether to have a first look at your wedding or stick with the traditional aisle reveal. And let’s be honest, there can be a lot of pressure from others to choose one way over the other.
But here’s the thing: this is YOUR wedding day, and there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s all about what feels best for you and your fiancé.
So, let’s talk about it! In this blog, I’ll break down the pros and cons of a first look, the benefits of waiting until the ceremony, and a few things to consider before making your decision.
Table of Contents:
- What is a First Look?
- Pros of Doing a First Look
- Cons of Doing a First Look
- Things to Consider Before Deciding
- So…Should You Do a First Look?
What is a First Look?
A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where you and your fiancé see each other for the first time. It’s intimate, emotional, and captured by your photographer to preserve those reactions forever.
Traditionally, couples waited until the ceremony for this moment, but first looks have become super popular. The question is, should you do one? Let’s break it down!
Pros of Doing a First Look
1. A Calm and Private Moment Together
Wedding days can be a whirlwind. There are so many moving parts, so many emotions, and sometimes, a few nerves. A first look gives you both a chance to pause, breathe, and be present with each other before the day kicks into full speed.
If you or your fiancé often feel anxious in front of a crowd, this moment can provide a sense of calm before you walk down the aisle. Usually, couples tell me that their nerves have settled once they are able to see one another.
2. More Time for Photos (and Less Rushing Later!)
From a photographer’s perspective, a first look gives you more flexibility with your timeline. We can take couple portraits, wedding party photos, and even some family portraits before the ceremony, which means less time spent on photos afterward and more time celebrating!
3. Enjoy More of Your Cocktail Hour
A first look can be a game-changer if you’re excited about mingling with guests, enjoying the signature cocktails you carefully chose, and soaking in the post-ceremony joy. It allows us to get the bulk of your photos done earlier, so you can actually attend your cocktail hour instead of missing it for portraits.
4. A More Genuine Reaction
Some grooms (and brides) tend to be more reserved and may feel more at ease expressing their emotions in a private setting. If your fiancé isn’t one for grand public displays, a first look could give them space to react authentically without the pressure of an audience.
Cons of Doing a First Look
1. You Lose the Traditional “Aisle Moment”
If you’ve always dreamed of that emotional, dramatic moment of seeing each other at the altar for the first time, a first look might not be for you. For many couples, the flutter of excitement when locking eyes down the aisle is truly unforgettable.
2. You’ll Need to Be Ready Earlier
First looks shift your entire getting-ready timeline earlier in the day. Hair, makeup, and getting dressed all need to happen sooner. If you’re not a morning person or want a slow, relaxed start to your day, this could be something to consider.
3. The Emotion Can Still Be There at the aisle
A common worry is that a first look at a wedding will “take away” from the aisle reveal at the ceremony. But in my experience? If your partner is emotional, they’ll be emotional BOTH times. If they’re more reserved, they might react more during the first look than in front of a crowd. It’s all about their personality!
Things to Consider Before Deciding
1. Who REALLY Wants to Wait?
A lot of brides grow up dreaming about their wedding day. But what about the groom? Many grooms haven’t envisioned every detail except the moment they see you walking down the aisle.
If your fiancé has always pictured this moment at the ceremony, it might be worth honoring that. This day is about both of you, after all!
2. Winter Weddings & Sunset Timing
Lighting is a huge factor if you’re getting married in the winter (or any season with an early sunset).
- If you do a first look, you’ll have plenty of natural light for portraits.
- If you skip it, you’ll need an earlier ceremony to ensure there’s enough daylight afterward for photos.
In Charleston, the winter sun sets around 5:30 PM, so plan accordingly! Summer weddings? No worries, you’ll have sunlight well into the evening.
3. Your Wedding Party & Family Dynamics
Coordinating post-ceremony photos can take extra time if you have a large wedding party or big families. A first look allows you to get some of those group photos done early, making the transition from ceremony to reception smoother.
On the other hand, if you prefer to keep things traditional and don’t mind a little extra coordination after the ceremony, skipping the first look is totally doable! It just helps to plan so everyone knows where to be and when.
So…Should You Do a First Look?
The decision is completely up to you and your fiancé. There’s no right or wrong answer, only what best aligns with your personality, vision, and priorities.
If You Want to Feel Calmer & Have More Photo Time → Consider a First Look
If you love the idea of a private, emotional moment together before the ceremony, a first look could be the perfect fit. It also allows for a smoother timeline and ensures you can enjoy more of your cocktail hour. Doing a first look will also create more time for the two of you to spend more of your wedding day together.
If You’ve Always Dreamed of That Aisle Moment → Skip the First Look
Stick to tradition if you or your fiancé have always pictured that big, dramatic aisle reveal! As a photographer, I can work efficiently to finish all your photos and still join some time at cocktail hour.
It’s Your Wedding, Do What Feels Right!
At the end of the day, don’t let anyone pressure you into a decision. Some vendors strongly encourage a first look at your wedding because it makes their job easier, but that shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
As your photographer, I will work with either choice and ensure you have a smooth, stress-free experience.
So, take time to chat with your fiancé, think about what matters most to you, and make the choice that feels right. Whether it’s a first look or an aisle reveal, your wedding day should be everything you’ve dreamed of on your terms.