Should I Do a First Look at My Wedding?

Ah, wedding planning—the magical, slightly chaotic, often stressful journey to your big day. One of the decisions you'll face is whether or not to do a first look. You’ve probably heard of it, but if you're not sure what it’s all about (or if it's for you), don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

What exactly is a first look? How do first looks work?

Picture this: it’s your wedding day, and instead of seeing your partner for the first time when you’re halfway down the aisle with everyone staring, you sneak off to a private spot, just the two of you (and maybe your sneaky photographer hiding nearby). Your groom stands with his back turned, probably sweating a little, trying to play it cool. Then, you tap him on the shoulder, he turns around, and—boom!—cue the tears, laughter, and all the feels as he sees you in your wedding dress for the first time.

This is what we call a first look, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite for many couples. But is it right for you? Let’s dive into the pros and cons, especially if your photographer isn’t around for the whole day.

The Pros of a First Look

All the Feels, None of the Pressure

A first look gives you a quiet, intimate moment to soak in the fact that, hey, you’re about to get married! Without 150 pairs of eyes watching, the emotions are real and raw, and you’ll have time to actually talk to each other—maybe even crack a joke to ease the nerves.

Say Goodbye to Pre-Ceremony Jitters

Let’s be honest: weddings are amazing, but they can also be a little nerve-wracking. Seeing your partner before the ceremony can be like taking a deep breath of fresh air. You’ll walk down the aisle feeling more relaxed and ready to soak in every moment.

More Time for Photos, More Time to Party

By doing a first look, you can knock out most, if not all, of the formal photos before the ceremony even starts. This means more time later to enjoy cocktail hour, hit the dance floor, or just kick back with your guests without feeling rushed.

Perfect for Shorter Photography Coverage

If you’ve only booked your photographer for a few hours, a first look can be a total game-changer. You can get all those must-have shots in the bag early, leaving your photographer free to focus on the candid, in-the-moment stuff later on.

The Cons of a First Look

Breaking Tradition

If you’re someone who loves tradition, skipping the first look may be more in line with your vision. There’s something magical about seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle, with all your loved ones witnessing the moment.

Less impactful aisle moment

For some couples, the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony can take away from the impact of that special moment when the bride walks down the aisle. If you’ve always dreamed of that dramatic entrance, sticking to tradition might be the better choice. (Although, I've photographed several weddings where the groom cried happy tears during the first look and later on when he saw his bride coming down the aisle!)

Pressure to react

Some couples feel pressure to react a certain way during a first look. Whether it’s tears, laughter, or a jaw-drop, the pressure to have the “perfect” reaction can be real. If you’re not the type to have a big, dramatic reaction (or if the thought of performing gives you flashbacks to middle school plays), this might be something to consider.

Post-Ceremony Photo Time

If you go for a first look, you might still need to stay after the ceremony to get all the family photos and additional bride and groom portraits. This means you could end up spending more time posing for pictures while your guests are enjoying the reception.

Alternative First Looks

If you're not quite sold on the traditional first look with your partner, there are plenty of fun and meaningful alternatives to consider! How about a first look with your dad, brother, or even your bridesmaids? These moments can be incredibly special, filled with love and excitement as they see you all dressed up for the first time. Imagine the look on your dad’s face when he sees his little girl in her wedding dress, or the squeals of joy from your bridesmaids as they get the first peek at your bridal glow. You can even have a first look with your uncle, little brother, or any other loved one who’s played a big role in your life. These alternative first looks are a wonderful way to share the joy of your day with the people who mean the most to you, creating unforgettable memories and some seriously sweet photo ops!

(If you'd like to have a few laughs on your big day, some brides can even convince the best man to put on a wedding dress to surprise the groom for a fake first look!)

Is a First Look Right for You?

Here’s the bottom line: whether or not to do a first look is totally up to you and your partner. Think about your priorities, your timeline, and what will make your day feel the most “you.” If you’re all about sharing a private, emotional moment together and making the most of your photographer’s time, then a first look could be just the thing. On the other hand, if you’re more into the traditional, aisle-reveal moment, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to that.

Whatever you decide, remember that your wedding day is all about you two—so do what feels right, and enjoy every moment!

As your wedding photographer, I’m here to capture every precious moment, from those intimate first looks to the joyous celebration with your family and friends. My goal is to provide you with beautiful, timeless images that you'll cherish for a lifetime. If you're looking for someone who will not only document your big day but also make you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the process, let’s chat! I’m dedicated to turning your wedding memories into stunning photographs that tell your story, one frame at a time. Reach out today, and let’s make magic happen!

-Olivia