Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day? Pros and Cons
What Is a First Look?
A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where couples see each other for the first time, away from the crowd. Instead of waiting until the walk down the aisle, you get to soak in this moment together, with just your photographer (and possibly videographer) capturing your reactions.
Pros of Doing a First Look
1. More Time Together
Your wedding day will fly by, and a first look gives you extra time together before the ceremony. This can help calm nerves and allow you to be more present for the rest of the day.
2. Eases Wedding Day Nerves
If you’re feeling anxious, seeing your partner beforehand can ease some of those jitters. Many couples say a first look helps them feel more relaxed going into the ceremony.
3. More Flexibility for Photos
A first look allows you to get most of your portraits done before the ceremony, which means:
You have more time to enjoy cocktail hour with guests.
We can capture beautiful couple portraits in ideal lighting earlier in the day.
Wedding party and family photos can be done ahead of time, so you don’t feel rushed.
4. A Genuine, Private Moment
During a ceremony, emotions can feel heightened by the presence of guests. A first look gives you a quiet, personal moment to react naturally without a crowd watching.
Cons of Doing a First Look
1. Breaks Tradition
If you love the idea of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle, skipping the first look keeps that traditional element in place. Some couples feel this moment is more emotional when shared with family and friends.
2. Earlier Start Time
A first look means you’ll need to start getting ready earlier in the day to be ready for photos before the ceremony.
3. It Doesn’t Replace the Aisle Moment
Even with a first look, walking down the aisle is still a huge moment—but some couples worry that seeing each other beforehand takes away a bit of that impact.
Alternative Ideas If You’re Torn
If you’re unsure about a first look but want a meaningful moment together before the ceremony, here are some alternatives:
First Touch: Hold hands around a corner or door and exchange words without seeing each other.
Private Letter Exchange: Read letters to each other before the ceremony.
First Look With a Parent or Bridal Party: If you want an emotional reveal, consider a first look with a parent or your wedding party instead.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the choice is yours! Whether you choose a first look or wait for the aisle moment, your wedding day will be filled with unforgettable emotions. The best decision is the one that feels right for you as a couple.
Looking for more inspo? Check out these blog posts?
Have you done a first look or currently debating one? Drop your thoughts in the comments below
Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.
