Does a first look make the ceremony less important?

It didn't ruin it for us. We did a first look and it actually, I think, made the ceremony better. The edge was taken off and we were able to actually enjoy the moment rather than be full of nerves and emotions. We did one for a few reasons. First, we wanted to get the as many of the photos done beforehand so we could enjoy the reception. Second, we wanted some quiet time to ourselves before the chaos of the day started. Lastly, we knew it would be an emotional day for us and we wanted to find ways to calm ourselves.

I am really glad we did it. The pictures of the first look are fantastic and some of my favorites.

I had no desire, and I don't regret. I know some who did it say that it didn't take away, but honestly I don't see how it doesn't. Unless one or the other has anxiety.

We didn't do it because I wanted the first time for us to see each other as the actual moment of me going down the aisle. We didn't want it to be a photo op.

I don't think it makes the ceremony less important! We are doing first looks! We felt that you still get to capture his reaction in a more intimate way, especially if it is just the two of you and the photographer at that time! Plus, like you said, we didn't want to take time from our guests and leave to take photos in between the ceremony and reception!

I loved having a first look. It was a chance for my husband and I to enjoy some personal time before the wedding. Strongly recommend, 10/10

Absolutely not. You're marrying the love of your life...seeing each other in your party clothes before hand can do nothing to take that moment away. We did a first look and it was amazing and personal and romantic. H bawled, we hugged, we kissed. When I was walking down the aisle I couldn't even see him around the crowd of people that were standing, so I missed that whole moment anyway which, if that were the first time seeing him, I would have felt kind of jipped. H still cried during the ceremony and it was still extremely emotional. The ceremony is not about a dress.

I loved our first look. It was just us (after photographer got a few shots), outside, in the quite snowy woods. It was so peaceful and wonderful to have those few minutes alone.

We are doing a first look. We are paying a lot of money on photography and I don't want to feel rushed immediately after the ceremony

IMO this is one of those decisions that doesn't really have a "right" or "wrong" answer. We are doing a first look for a few reasons. We are both uncomfortable being the center of attention and many people on here have said seeing their FS before the ceremony helped ease their nerves. Also, we are having a Friday evening wedding and want guests eating dinner at a decent time so taking pictures after the ceremony isn't really feasible.

That being said, there's nothing wrong with waiting to have that moment until you're walking down the aisle - just be sure to provide a cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception. As a guest, I've always enjoyed having a drink, some appetizers, and socializing with other guests before the happy couple arrives!

We're doing a first look. I don't really get the difference between a first look before the ceremony or when you walk down the aisle. if he didn't help pick the dress or see pictures then the first time seeing you is a first look, regardless of when that actually is. I know we're going to be crazy busy the minute the ceremony starts so I love the idea of having a few minutes to just check in and connect before everything gets under way.

I'm very pro first look. Aside from getting the ugly crying out way, I want to be able to see him in a semi-private setting. I also want to get pictures with the bridal party and us out the way before guests arrive.

We did a first look and it helped so much with nerves. DH wouldn't have had the reaction he did in front of our families. I say go for the first look! It didn't take anything away from the ceremony at all!

Thank you for asking, I was wondering the same thing. I would like to have a first look because I know I'm going to cry and I feel it may take the nerves away, but my FH doesn't want to do it. We have some time to decide. (Time to change his mind)

I was talking to my photographer about the first look and I started to cry just thinking about the emotions that I'll feel and it made it really sink in that it is the right decision for us.

Personally, I think it's antiquated. See each other first. You're facing the day together; you're not a piece of property being presented to the buyer.

FH really wants the walking down the aisle moment. However, saying that the ceremony is less important because of a first look is ABSURD!!!! I love first look pictures. It looks like such a special moment before the ball starts rolling. ETA: autocorrect

We're not doing one... FH doesn't want too and does not get it at all.... LOL... So what we are going to do is a first look without the "look" something like the picture below....

I am not doing it. I don't want my only pics of us two from our wedding day to be before we were even actually married.

I know a lot of brides are huge fans of first looks, but just personally I believe it will take away the special moment of him walk down the aisle.

We did a first look and I do not believe it took anything away from the ceremony. I liked having those few quiet moments with DH when I arrived at the venue. We both were still overcome with emotions during the ceremony from the music to the words said in our vows to seeing all our nearest and dearest gathered together to support us. There is no right or wrong answer here but I do not regret making the decision we did.

Thank you all so much!!! We will do a first look

We didn't do a first look. He wanted to wait and see me come down the aisle. I wanted to see him bc I was a nervous wreck so I did peek through the blinds of the cabin I was sequestered in. Seeing him, looking dapper with a smile on his face, went a long way to making me calm. This did not diminish the overwhelming joy I felt when we looked at each other with in the chapel.