What Is A First Look?
A first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. This is typically an intimate moment before the wedding ceremony for the couple to share and as a result, take emotional photos. Considered a relatively new tradition, the first look is becoming more and more popular with wedding couples.
There are many reasons couples decide to do a first look. So, we thought we'd share with you our top five reasons why you should consider a first look for your wedding day.
Our Top 5 Reasons to Consider A First Look For Your Wedding Day
1.) An Intimate Moment With Each Other
A first-look is customarily just between you, your fiancé, and the photographer. It is a very intimate moment where your emotions are running high and the photographer has the opportunity to capture these moments.
Compared to seeing each other for the first time at the end of the aisle, your guests do not witness your first look. Thus providing you an intimate moment together before the ceremony.
2.) Reduces Any Nerves
If you are feeling nervous about seeing your fiancé for the first time at the end of the aisle or in front of your guests then a first look is perfect for you!
There's so much pressure and so many expectations put on the couple for their wedding day. The last thing you want to worry about is getting stage fright when seeing your fiancé in front of a crowd on your wedding day.
3.) More Time Together
One of the biggest pieces of advice that couples share with each other, is to enjoy their wedding day because it goes by fast. As planners, we would love to be able to slow down time so that you can enjoy your wedding day. Unfortunately, we are not magicians! However, instead of trying to slow down the day, we recommend scheduling time in your timeline to enjoy moments together as newlyweds.
A first-look allows you the opportunity to spend more alone time together on your wedding day. Now, what's better than that!?
4.) Allows You To Enjoy Cocktail Hour With Your Guests
You spend months even years planning the perfect day so that your guests enjoy themselves. Now imagine having the perfect cocktail hour and not being able to attend it. We’d be disappointed too!
Typically during the cocktail hour, the guests enjoy a break before the reception while the newly married couple heads off for wedding photos. What if you had taken some of those photos in advance, during your first look!? Think of the time that will save you! You will now have additional time to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests. By scheduling your first look into your day you're allowing yourself additional time to mix and mingle with your loved ones.
5.) Better Quantity Photos
Remember all that time we just mentioned, time is on your side when it comes to doing a first look.
By doing your first look and couple portraits earlier in your day you will have better lighting as well as your hair, makeup and outfits will be fresh. You will feel more relaxed and comfortable which will result in better quality photos.
BONUS TIP:
If you and your fiance are more traditional and are excited to see each other for the first time at the end of the aisle then consider this alternative.
A Father-daughter first look. Scheduling a first look between the bride and her father provides an incredibly emotional opportunity resulting in intimate photos. It's moments like this that we know all dads dream of.
Once your wedding day has come to an end all that's left to look back on is your photography (and videography), you will not regret having a first look. By scheduling a first look into your day and having your photographer captured those moments you will forever be able to look back and feel the emotions of seeing your fiancé for the first time. It's moments like these and emotions like this that we never want to forget.
If you are on the fence about whether you should do a first look or not consider these reasons above. In the end, it's your wedding day and our team wants what's best for you.
For more help on incorporating your first look into your wedding day, contact us to learn more about our planning services.
Vendors
Planning + Design: Design Studio South
Paige + Ryan Photographer: Rach Loves Troy
Jodi + Bram Photographer: Amy Arrington
Nayfe + Derek Photographe: Lindy + Jason Photography