An old wedding tradition says that couples shouldn’t see each other until their wedding ceremony. According to superstition, doing so will bring bad luck to the marriage. While we’re not entirely convinced that’s how it works, we do know that seeing each other before the wedding ceremony can be extra special!
While you’re wedding planning, one of the decisions that you’ll have to make is whether you want to take part in this wedding day experience or not! Should you ditch tradition for a more modern wedding day?
The decision to have — or not have — a first look is a personal one. There’s really no right or wrong answer. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to do one, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a guide to help you make the best decision for your special day, but before we get to that, let’s take a closer look at what a first look is.
What is a First Look?
A first look occurs when the bride and groom choose to see each other for the first time on their special day, prior to the wedding ceremony. Typically, the groom heads to the location where the couple will be meeting first and turns around until the bride arrives. When he turns to face her, this moment when they see each other for the first time is considered the first look.
Most couples have their wedding photographer capture this intimate moment. Some couples might also have their videographer film it. In some cases, couples might choose to exchange letters or mementos as a part of this special moment.
4 Reasons to Have a Wedding First Look
Here are some of the reasons why many HauteFêtes couples decide to have a first look wedding day experience.
1. A First Look Can Calm Your Nerves
It’s extremely common for both brides and grooms to experience wedding day jitters. We spend so much time wedding planning that there’s so much built-up anticipation when the time finally comes. It can also be incredibly nerve-wracking to be the center of attention. You’re about to walk down the aisle in front of all of your closest friends and family, which can be overwhelming for some.
When you and your fiancé decide to see each other in private for the first time on your wedding day, you have the chance to calm each other down. Instead of feeling nervous and anxious about the wedding ceremony, couples who choose to do a first look may feel excited about walking down the aisle!
2. Your First Look Wedding Photos Can Be Precious
One of the main benefits of doing a first look is the potential for precious wedding photos! Since you’ll be alone with your spouse-to-be and your wedding photographer, this can be a great time to capture intimate and emotional portraits that might not be so easy to capture otherwise. In fact, first look wedding photos may be some of the best shots of your entire day!
3. A First Look Gives You Valuable Alone Time Together
Your wedding day will go by in a flash — trust me! You’re going to be so caught up in the motions and spending time with friends and family that you never really get a moment for just the two of you. Odds are, you won’t find much quiet, uninterrupted time together on your special day.
A wedding first look gives you the opportunity to have a little extra alone time with your significant other before the rest of the day’s festivities begin to unfold. This is perfect for couples who want to share some special time alone together.
4. First Look Wedding Photos Save You Time
Traditionally, the bulk of your wedding photos will be taken in between the wedding ceremony and the reception. The problem is that many couples find themselves stressing out about getting to the reception in time.
Oftentimes, first look wedding experiences are photographed and followed by family and bridal party photos before the ceremony. This frees up time so you can actually join your guests for the cocktail hour without having to sneak away for all those wedding photos immediately following the ceremony. It also allows your loved ones to enjoy the wedding reception.
Additionally, having your wedding photos taken earlier in the day can be especially beneficial when light is at a premium. During the fall and winter months, when there is little daylight, there may be less time to capture outdoor portraits after your wedding ceremony.
4 Reasons Not to Have a Wedding First Look
This wedding day experience isn’t for everyone. Here are some of the reasons why some HauteFêtes couples decide against having a first look on their wedding day.
1. First Looks Break Tradition
There’s nothing wrong with breaking wedding traditions that don’t feel right for you. But if you and your significant other have traditional beliefs or if you’re superstitious, a wedding first look may be one experience you’ll want to pass on. In some cases, doing a first look may also interfere with certain cultural wedding traditions. If you value these traditions, this is a good reason to skip this wedding day experience.
2. You Want the First Look to Be Down the Aisle
While wedding first looks can be intimate and special in their own way, there’s just something really exciting about seeing your spouse for the first time as she or he is walking down the aisle or waiting for you at the other end. This dramatic, incredible moment is something some couples won’t want to miss out on. A skilled wedding photographer will be able to capture the raw emotion of this special moment.
3. Your Wedding Day Schedule May Prevent a First Look
If you’re planning a ceremony at an offsite location, such as a church or house of worship, you may be bound to specific time constraints that make it difficult to do a wedding first look. This is why it’s essential to partner with a wedding planner like HauteFêtes. When we work with couples, we coordinate with their wedding photographer to ensure enough time is allocated to your wedding photos before or after the wedding ceremony.
4. You’ll Have to Wake Up Earlier
Since the first look takes place before the wedding ceremony, you’ll need to get dressed earlier in the day. This means getting up earlier to get your bridal hair and makeup done, as well as changing into your wedding day attire. If you aren’t a morning person, you might decide that this isn’t for you.
Plan Your Wedding First Look Moment First
If you’ve decided to do a first look on your wedding day, it’s important to incorporate this into your wedding plans ahead of time. Not only will you want to make sure there’s enough time to arrange a first look, but you’ll also have to determine the location.
If you’re going to do a first look, in order to minimize rushing around on your wedding day, we advise that you do it in a special area of your wedding venue. However, there’s always the option to go off-site, especially if your venue is adjacent to a beach, for example. No matter what you decide, focus on the intimacy of the moment, and your wedding photographer will take care of identifying the backdrop in which to capture your special moment!
If You Decide to Skip a Wedding First Look
If you decide to have your first look be down the aisle and take your wedding photos after the ceremony, there are other details to consider. For example, you may consider paying your hair and makeup team an ‘overtime’ fee to stay and touch you up after the ceremony so your bridal portraits are perfect.
A wedding first look might not seem like a huge part of your wedding, but even the smallest elements of your special day require detailed planning to ensure everything goes off without a hitch! At HauteFêtes, we help ensure your first look is everything you’ve dreamt it would be — whether you decide to have it before your wedding ceremony or when you walk down the aisle!
Drop us a line to inquire more about our luxury wedding planning services today.
