Pros and Cons of a First Look - How do you decide?

I talk to a lot of couples who are in the middle of wedding planning and can’t decide whether or not to do a first look. There’s a lot of details to think about, and it’s different for everyone! As a wedding photographer, I personally am pro-first look, but I understand how it’s not the right choice for everyone! Here are some pros and cons to think about when deciding whether or not to do a first look: 

Cons of a First Look

1. You might feel less emotional during the ceremony.
A lot of couples worry that having a first look will take away from the big emotions of that iconic moment when you see each other for the first time as one of you walks down the aisle. It can be a really magical moment, and a lot of couples have dreamed about it for years. 

This is a valid concern, but I can tell you that from my experience, most couples still feel really emotional during the ceremony, even after a first look. The weight of the moment—standing in front of friends and family, exchanging vows, and the significance of the occasion—often keeps those emotions running high. But, if you're someone who has always dreamed of that big reveal at the altar, skipping the first look might be the better option for you.

2. It adds more to your pre-ceremony schedule.
Including a first look in your timeline means you'll need to carve out time before the ceremony for it, which can make your day feel a bit more jam-packed. If you're already feeling the pressure of getting ready, adding a first look and more pre-ceremony photos might sound like a lot to manage. You'll need to factor in extra time for both the first look and any portraits you want to take afterward. But I will say, though this feels like a con in the beginning of the day, it will pay off in the long run. If you’re able to get your photos done beforehand, you’ll be able to relax more after your ceremony. 

Pros of a First Look

1. It can calm your nerves.
One of the biggest benefits of a first look is how it helps you relax and calm your last minute nerves. It’s normal to feel a bit anxious (and even just so excited that it feels like nerves!) as you wait to get married. Seeing your partner beforehand can be incredibly calming. It’s a moment where you can just be together, take a breath, and share a hug or a laugh before stepping into the ceremony.

This can ground you and help you feel more relaxed and centered, which often leads to a more fun and relaxed experience as the day progresses. So, if you know you’ll be nervous, a first look might be the perfect opportunity to share a quiet moment together and help you both feel more calm. 

2. Get photos done early.
In my opinion, this is one of the best reasons to consider a first look. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you open up the opportunity to get most of your formal photos done early. You can knock out couple portraits, bridal party shots, and even some family photos before the ceremony begins. This means after the ceremony, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.

If you decide to wait until after the ceremony to do photos, you'll probably spend a big chunk if not all of the cocktail hour getting through them, which can be a little rushed and feel exhausting. A first look is really helpful to knock out most of the formal photos you want early on so you can just enjoy celebrating after your ceremony. 

3. Share an intimate, private moment.
Your wedding day is going to be filled with lots of big emotions and excitement. You’ll have lots of friends and family who are very excited to see you. While that’s one of the best parts of your wedding day, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. A first look is a nice chance to be alone for a few minutes and have that big reveal moment without everyone watching you. It can be really sweet to share a few minutes by yourselves. 

Whether or not to do a first look is a deeply personal decision that depends on your vision for your wedding day. If you value tradition and the idea of seeing each other for the first time as one of you walks down the aisle, you might choose to skip the first look. I recommend talking to your wedding photographer and wedding planner as you make your decision, but at the end of the day, you guys should do whatever feels right to you. It’s your wedding day! 

If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer, I would love to chat with you! You can reach out to me here.