I often get asked by couples if they should do a first look on their wedding day. My response is always, “That’s up to you,” because really, it is a personal choice and couples shouldn’t let their photographer dictate the way they want to plan their wedding. The longer answer is that there are pros and cons for doing a first look, but that ultimately this is a personal decision that should be made by the couple as they work through the timeline for their wedding day.
There’s a lot of pressure on couples to follow wedding trends, including doing a first look, and while there are a lot of practical reasons to do a first look, ultimately it’s an emotional decision between couples to determine how they want to see each other for the first time on the wedding day. Whether the first time couples see each other is during the wedding ceremony or before the ceremony in a planned “first look”, the moment is a special one to capture.
So why should you do a first look, other than because you want to?
It’ll open up your schedule: Doing a first look opens up the possibility of taking formal photos of the bride and groom together, the wedding party and the family before the ceremony while ensuring those first special moments of seeing each other on the wedding day are captured too. This will leave you with more time to spend with your guests and to enjoy the cocktail hour. A lot of couples choose a first look because they want to be present for the whole celebration.
Private couples can have a smaller audience when they see each other for the first time: For some, coming down the aisle during the ceremony can be stressful because they aren’t used to being the centre of attention. So for those who’d like to keep that first moment where they see one another more low key, a first look can take some of the pressure off.
It gives couples a moment to connect and talk: Couples enjoy talking to each other right after the first look; it gives them a chance to voice their excitement and express themselves. This does wonders for pre-wedding jitters, as their nervousness melts away.
You can choose a great location for the first look: Whether you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor backdrop, an indoor architectural space or a meaningful spot - you get to choose the location of the first look and your photographer can take advantage of this great setting too.
It’s not as cheesy as you might think: As scripted as these moments can sometimes seem, when you’re in them, the very real feelings that people are having during the first look shine through. So even if you plan it ahead, it won’t feel the least bit cheesy in the moment.
Why shouldn’t you do a first look?
The best reason I can give you for not doing a first look is because you don’t want to. Maybe you’ve imagined that moment of seeing your partner for the first time during the ceremony for years, and you find it romantic. Maybe you want to take advantage of the setting sun for portraits with beautiful light. Or maybe, you’d rather skip the cocktail hour to have more time to talk and connect during the portrait session with your new spouse after the ceremony. Whatever your reason for doing a first look, or not doing one, the most important thing to remember is that there’s no right way to have a wedding. Your photographer will be there to capture your day as you choose to plan it.