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Should You Do A First Look at Your Wedding? – Pros and Cons

As a wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I hear from couples is, “Do I need a first look for my wedding?” It’s a personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what feels best for you and your fiancé. However, understanding the pros and cons can help you decide what works best for your special day.

What Is a First Look?

first look is a private moment before the ceremony when you and your fiancé see each other for the first time on your wedding day. It’s an intimate moment, often captured by your wedding photographer, allowing you to share raw, emotional reactions away from the crowd. It’s a great opportunity to soak in all of the raw emotions that come with your big day!

The Pros of a First Look

1. It Helps Calm Wedding Day Nerves

Let’s face it: wedding days can be a whirlwind! Seeing your best friend before the ceremony can help you both take a deep breath and feel more grounded. Many couples say this special moment helps them let go of any jitters, making the rest of the day feel more relaxed. The great part about adding a first look to your wedding day timeline is that you can schedule as much time as you need to spend with your significant other to feel relaxed and ready for all the amazing moments of your big day!

2. It Takes the Pressure Off

If you wait until the ceremony to see each other, there’s often an unspoken pressure to have the “perfect” emotional reaction in front of your guests. A first look lets you fully experience that emotional moment without worrying about how others perceive it. Plus, you might find that seeing each other from across the aisle later still brings an even deeper wave of emotions.

3. It’s a Great Time to Exchange Private Vows

A first look creates the perfect opportunity to share private vows—words meant only for each other. This can be a deeply personal and emotional experience, giving you a few extra minutes to connect in a meaningful way before the festivities begin.

4. It Allows for More Portrait Time

By scheduling a first look, you ensure there’s plenty of time for couples’ portraits before the ceremony. This is especially helpful if your timeline is tight or if unpredictable weather might limit your opportunities later in the day. Think of it as an insurance policy to guarantee you get those beautiful first look photos as well as some gorgeous couples photos! Side note – even if you choose to do a first look, make sure you schedule enough time for golden hour couples portraits later in the day. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

5. You Can Get Family and Wedding Party Photos Done Early

Another fantastic benefit of doing a first look is that it allows you to complete your family photos and wedding party portraits before the ceremony. By taking care of these important group shots ahead of time, you’ll free up more of your schedule after the ceremony. This means you can head straight to your cocktail hour or reception and spend more time celebrating with your loved ones.

Many couples find this approach helps them enjoy the day to the fullest without feeling rushed or pulled away for photos later. It’s a win-win: you get beautiful portraits and plenty of time to party!


The Cons of a First Look

While there are plenty of benefits, a first look isn’t for everyone.

1. It Changes Tradition

Some couples dream of the traditional first time seeing each other at the ceremony. If this is a priority for you, skipping the first look might be the better choice. Just make sure you have ample time in your wedding timeline during cocktail hour for golden hour couples portraits! These are often my couples’ favorite photos from their entire day, so make sure you budget at least 30-40 minutes for couples portraits if you aren’t doing a first look!

2. You Might Prefer the Build-Up

There’s something magical about the anticipation of walking down the aisle and locking eyes for the first time in front of your loved ones. If you love that idea, you might feel a first look takes away from the ceremony’s impact.


Alternative: A First Touch

If you love the idea of connecting before the ceremony but don’t want to see each other yet, consider a first touch. This intimate moment involves holding hands or standing back-to-back without seeing each other. It’s a beautiful way to share a deep breath, experience some of the raw emotions of your day, exchange a few words, or even read letters to one another while still preserving the magic of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle.


Making the Decision

At the end of the day, “Do I need a first look for my wedding?” is a question only you and your fiancé can answer. Consider what feels most authentic to you as a couple. Whether you choose a first look, a first touch, or the traditional aisle moment, remember: this day is about celebrating YOUR love story. The best decision is the one that suits you and your partner! 

As your wedding photographer, I’m here to capture every emotional moment—whether it’s the nervous laughter during a first look, the happy tears as you exchange private vows, or the joy of seeing your best friend waiting for you at the end of the aisle.

Whatever you decide, make it a reflection of YOU, and trust that your wedding day will be unforgettable!


Key Takeaways:

  • first look can help ease nerves, provide time for portraits, and create a special private moment.
  • If you prefer tradition, a first touch or saving the first time you see each other for the aisle are excellent alternatives.
  • Your choice is a personal decision that should reflect your unique love story.

Looking for a wedding photographer who can capture all the intimate, emotional moments of your big day? Check out my wedding page!

Thanks for reading!

-Katie

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I'm so glad you're here! You've made it to the part of my online home where I share my life, show off all the lovely couples I get to photograph, and share tips and tricks that you can use when planning your wedding. Enjoy beautiful images, free education, and peeks into the highlights of my life as a travel-lover, pet parent, and NC Wedding photographer!

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