Should I Do A First Look? | Wedding Advice
That moment a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. But there is so much happening, knowing when that magical moment should take place can be a challenge! During planning, I find that a lot of couples ask themselves “Should I do a first look?”
Personally, I am rooted in tradition, and even had a full Catholic Mass when I got married. HOWEVER – I knew the benefits of seeing each other before the ceremony definitely outweighed the thought of tradition! While I’m never going to talk you out of doing what you want to do at your wedding, I think everyone should consider doing a first look! Read through to find out why!
A Moment of Peace in the Middle of Chaos
A lot of couples have a picturesque moment in their heads of their beloved bursting into tears the moment they lock eyes down the aisle. While it has happened occasionally, most of the time they are too nervous/excited/anxious to cry. You’re standing up in front of 200 people, maybe wearing uncomfortable shoes, and have been up since 6am. And you can’t even hug once you reach the aisle – you have to wait until the end of the ceremony!
Doing a First Look allows the two of you to take a moment to focus on each other, and actually tell each other how excited you are!
…still cried during the ceremony.
More Photos AND More Cocktail Time
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then couple portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures AND most of the couple portraits (although we still prefer to do more couple portraits at sunset). This allows you to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed. Plus you get to spend more time with your guests!
Zach and Gina, tearing up during their First Look…
Backup Plan for Bad Weather
If the forecast calls for bad weather on your wedding day, having time planned for photos beforehand let’s us call an audible if needed. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance! In case it is bad beforehand, we can adjust accordingly and shift our game plan!
…still cried during the ceremony.
Time to Relax and Refresh
This next reason is for all you criers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
Adam & Ani, crying during their First Look…
Celebrate Together
This final reason is the biggest reason I prefer first looks.
Let’s imagine you have a 4pm ceremony. You got up at 7am that morning. That means you won’t get to see your future spouse on your wedding day for 8 hours. But wait, you have to get through the ceremony first! Now you’re whisked off to do family portraits and photos with your wedding party before heading to the reception…
By the time you get a moment to even reflect on your day together, its 11pm! Having a first look means you get to actually see and talk to each other on the biggest day of your relationship!
…still cried during the ceremony.
Still Really Want to Wait?
While 9 times out of 10, it’s better to do a first look, there is the rare occurrence when it might not make sense. If you are having an early ceremony (think 2pm or earlier) with a normal dinner reception (5pm or later), there would be plenty of time in between without having to rush in the morning. In this instance, it’s also best if you either a) have the ceremony and reception at the same location and do not leave or b) you have a party bus to keep your wedding party together.
Just for Fun…
Here’s a few more of my favorite reactions from couples who chose to do a First Look!
Matt & Elissa had an absolutely joyful moment!
Kevin & Elizabeth had the most adorable First Look!
Mike & Christina were all smiles when they first saw each other!
I hope this helped you answer the question “Should I do a First Look?” Regardless if you do a first look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special! And if you have a question on how your full wedding day timeline should run – let’s chat! As always, make sure to follow Jessie Silva on Facebook and Instagram for more tips!
Have fun!
