FIRST LOOKS AT WEDDINGS – THE PROS & CONS

Do you want to include a first look during your wedding day, but you’re unsure? Or maybe you’re trying to figure out what a first look at a wedding even is? A first look is a private (or somewhat private) moment where the couple sees each other in their wedding attire before their ceremony. This can be completely private, or some couples let family members or wedding party members watch from a distance. Couples often exchange gifts, private vows, or letters during this time. While some couples may want this private moment to share with each other, others may feel that it takes away from the surprise and excitement of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer! Lets get into what makes first looks at weddings special!

Kayli Lafon Photography | North Carolina Wedding Photographer

What Makes First Looks at Weddings Special?

Because this moment is private, many couples are able to express more emotion and love to each other. They don’t have their entire guest list watching them and waiting for a reaction. If either of you don’t like everyone watching you, this is probably perfect for you. I have found that every single couple who does a first look at their wedding says that it calmed their nerves. Let’s take a deeper dive into what the pros are of first looks at weddings!

Reduces Stress and Calms The Nerves

You get those anxious stressors out of the way by incorporating a first look during your wedding day. Because of this, you can truly soak in your ceremony as it’s happening. Being able to privately see your significant other before the ceremony tends to calm so many nerves for both. If you and your partner aren’t into the idea of hundreds of people watching you exchange vows or see each other for the first time, then incorporating a first look into your day is the perfect opportunity to have that special moment just between you two.

More Time Together

When you do a first look, you don’t have to hide from each other any longer. You also get to spend more time together on YOUR wedding day. There’s nothing more stressful then feeling like you have to tip toe around in worry of your soon to be spouse seeing you before the ceremony! This also means if you are wanting to knock out any wedding party or family portraits before the ceremony, you can. Honestly, this helps so much with getting photos done! You don’t have to worry about going from your ceremony straight into getting ALL of your portraits done afterwards. We can get so many photos done after your first look, and then get some stunning sunset portraits if desired later on! You’ll get to have more fun together, and spend more time with your friends and family!

Extra Emotion & Forever Memories

If you’re wanting the most emotion looking back on your day, a first look is the way to go! How many opportunities will we get to truly focus on just the two of you and the overwhelming emotions you feel in seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day? Cause lemme tell ya, walking down the aisle lasts about 30 seconds. Then you have to stand there without hugging, kissing, etc for the next 25 minutes. UGH, the frustration! I have never found that a first look takes emotion or happiness away from a bride or groom during the ceremony. You may worry that your significant other won’t be as emotional seeing you walk down the aisle a second time, but I can assure you that they will be just as teary-eyed and taken aback!

The Con’s of First Looks at Weddings

Ok, so now that we’ve gone over the pros of first looks at weddings, let’s talk about the cons. Truly, the only con I can think of is that you are breaking a tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. Did you know that this tradition actually stems back to the pre-18th century? According to Bridgett Davis Events, this was to keep the groom from backing out of a pre-arranged wedding if he were to see his bride before the ceremony. Although seeing the bride before the ceremony may be considered bad luck, I think it’s obvious that it doesn’t hold any merit.

So, Will You Be Incorporating First Looks at Weddings Into Your Special Day?

If you’re looking for more privacy during the first time you see each other, reduce stressors, get more time together, more emotional photos and portraits, and overall a less complicated pre-ceremony with more time during your reception, then a first look during your wedding may just be the perfect choice for you! If you’re more traditional and want a more traditional wedding experience, then having a first look may not be right for you. Like I said before, there is no right or wrong way. It truly depends on what you envision for your big day.

And let’s remember, this is YOUR day. Make choices that will make you and your partner happy, not everyone else. Looking for a wedding photographer to capture your special day? It would be an honor for me to be a part of it! You can learn more about me here. If I sound like we’d make a great team, then inquire with me here! I truly can’t wait to hear from you and get to know you better. In the meantime, check out some weddings on the blog and get inspired!