To have a first look or not have a first look, that is the question: whether it is better to be traditional and see your partner walked down the aisle or be modern and have an intimate moment before the ceremony.
First looks have become very popular in recent years. Many of my couples have been torn between being traditional or having a first look. I get asked this question a lot so I wanted to give some helpful tips and pros and cons to help you decide.
What is a first look?
A first look is an intimate moment when the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. First looks don’t have to just be for couples, it can be with anyone else. Below I have some alternatives.
Where to have it?
This depends on your venue and what time you are able to be on the property. If you cannot be on the property, I will look for a nearby park (the image above was at a park close to the venue).
Why do vendors recommend a first look?
Vendors will typically recommend a first look when it will be better for the timeline. Many weddings run late and having the extra time helps a lot. This is the reason most photographers recommend having one. Having shot so many weddings, I have learned that having a first look makes it a bit less stressful. When you have a first look, you can take some romantics after and then take either family photos or wedding party photos. By doing this, you will have less photos to take after your ceremony and will be able to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
What if you are having a winter wedding and still don’t want to have a first look?
If you are set on not having a first look, you don’t have to. You can always have separate wedding party photos before the ceremony and the whole wedding party after your ceremony.
Here are some pros and cons to having one:
No matter what you choose, I am here to celebrate with you and I will capture it beautifully.
Here are some alternatives to having a first look with your significant other:
Here’s a wedding that my couple decided to have a first look with their parents. And another wedding that had a beautiful first look.
I hope you found this information useful, head to this blog to get some wedding timeline tips.
[…] will go so much faster. If you’re on the fence about having a first look, here’s a blog to help you […]
[…] timeline isn’t so tight and you get alone time to enjoy before the ceremony. Here’s a blog to explain more in detail. I would like to add that if you choose to have a first look, you will be […]
[…] Need some more planning tips? Head over to the my resource page to learn if you should have a first look, get backyard wedding planning tips, and how to make your engagement session […]