Weddings are filled with emotions, traditions, and unique moments. One such moment that has grown in popularity in recent years is the ‘wedding first look.’ It’s a modern twist on the traditional reveal as the bride walks down the aisle. In this post, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of wedding first looks, the pros and cons, and even some fun alternatives if you choose to see each other for the first time at the altar!

Pros and Cons of Having a First Look at Your Wedding

As with most things in life, there are pros and cons to having a first look at your wedding. While I’m a big fan of first looks myself because of all the emotion and extra wedding portraits we get to capture, I understand why some couples choose not to have it on their wedding day. So, let’s dive into it!

PROS

• A first look gives you more time later! All of your formal wedding photos can be done before the ceremony so you can enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.

• You’ll get a private moment to be present together, taking each other in and appreciating each other’s wedding attire without the added pressure of a million eyes on you.

• First looks can make the day’s timeline flow more seamlessly. You won’t have to worry about ruining the surprise, and you’ll likely end up with more varied photos from the day. Also, seeing each other before the rest of the day unfolds can calm your nerves!

CONS

• You will need to be ready earlier. Most couples who opt for a first look are ready 2-3 hours before the ceremony to have their first look and formal wedding portraits done ahead of time. Speaking of time, foregoing a first look means you will likely spend most, if not all, of your cocktail hour, taking photos and not at the party with your guests. If you’re planning to have a longer reception, then it might not be a big issue, but still something to consider!

• Wedding first looks are not traditional. While having one doesn’t fully ruin the reveal of walking down the aisle, you may want to have a dramatic build-up and share the moment with all your guests.

• While some couples might want a private, intimate moment, others may find a first look to be awkward or too staged. Do what makes you and your partner the most comfortable!

Tips for A Successful Wedding First Look

Bring Tissues

Your first look promises to be an intensely personal and heartwarming moment. Don’t be surprised if you, your partner, and even your photographer shed a tear or two. Coming prepared with tissues ensures you’re ready for any teary moments.

Bring the Rings to Your Wedding First Look

Your photographer can get some really beautiful close-up photos of you and your partner exchanging rings. Then, you’ll ensure your rings are on for all your formal photos!

Don’t Rush the Moment

This isn’t just a photo op; it’s a unique and emotional experience for you and your partner. Allowing about 15-30 minutes ensures you both get to savor this special pre-ceremony moment. If you’d like to have a couple’s photo session afterward, you might want to extend that time frame.

Write a Letter to Each Other

Make the moment even more special and emotional by exchanging heartfelt letters. You can read them aloud to each other when you meet or read them in private before the first look – the choice is yours!

Read Your Vows

If you’d like to share personal vows in private instead of in front of all your guests, you could consider reading your vows to each other during the first look. It adds an intimate layer to the moment, making it even more special. And your vows to each other can remain only between the two of you (and your photographer creepin’ around the corner!)

Wedding First Look Alternatives

If you were reading this and still not feeling sold on the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony, here are some alternatives that still capture the spirit of the moment!

Wedding First Look With Mom/Dad/Wedding Party

Create this memory your way with the people you love most! Be it your parents, siblings, or best friends, their reactions are going to be priceless.

First Touch

Have your photographer position you and your partner back to back or around a corner from each other and have a “first touch.” Squeeze each other’s hands, hear each other’s voices… It’s intimate yet still preserves the big reveal for your ceremony! #compromise

Post-Ceremony Hideaway

One of the biggest pros to a first look is having some time to be present together in the midst of a crazy day. If you still want that moment but are adamant about forgoing the first look, opt for a post-ceremony hideaway to have a private moment before the rest of the festivities. This can be done with or without a photographer present. 

Katarina Celine Photography | PA Wedding Photographer

Choosing a wedding first look (or its alternatives) is all about making your wedding day more personal and intentional. Whether you’d like to stick with tradition or looking for a modern twist, the key is to make choices that resonate with you and your partner.

Whatever you decide, your wedding day will be filled with moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.

And if you are still looking for a PA wedding photographer to capture your big day exactly as you’ve imagined it, I’d LOVE to hear from you! You can get in touch with me here!