So you’re getting married! Congratulations! Now comes the fun part, the wedding planning. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether or not to do a First Look on your wedding day. A First Look is when the Bride and Groom see each other before the ceremony, typically for photos. There are pros and cons to doing a First Look, so let’s dive in and explore them!

The Pros of Doing a First Look
There are quite a few benefits to doing a First Look on your wedding day. For one, it means that you’ll have more time to enjoy your night. Instead of spending the cocktail hour taking formal photos, you can mingle with your guests and actually enjoy your own party! Additionally, having a private moment with your partner before the craziness of the day begins can be incredibly special and calming. Not to mention, doing a First Look means that you won’t be rushed through your photos. Your photographer will have plenty of time to get all the shots you want without feeling like they’re on a clock. Finally, if you opt to do a First Look, all of the formalities will be out of the way by the end of your ceremony. This means that you can relax and enjoy the rest of your evening without having to worry about taking more pictures.

The Cons of Doing a First Look
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to doing a First Look. The biggest one is that you’ll need to pay for more photography/videography coverage. Since your photographer will need to be there for both the First Look and the ceremony, you’ll likely have to budget for an additional hour or two of their time. Additionally, some couples feel that they miss out on the nostalgia of “walking down the aisle and seeing their husband for the first time.” While this is definitely a valid concern, it’s worth noting that many photographers are able to capture this moment during rehearsals.

So, should you do a First Look on your wedding day? Ultimately, this decision comes down to what’s important to you and your fiance. If having more time to enjoy your reception is important to you, then doing a First Look might be the way to go. However, if tradition is more important to you than timing, then skipping the First Look might make more sense. No matter what you decide, just remember that this is YOUR day! Do whatever makes YOU happy 🙂