First look or traditional walk down the aisle?

We are doing the traditional walk down the isle. I'm more traditional than others. I'm having my brother dress up in a white dress and do the first look with my fiance. I think it would be funny and cute and help him calm his nerves a little.

My fiance and I decided on doing a first look, mostly because it allows for more flexibility with timing for photos during the day and we don't want to miss our entire cocktail hour. I know that if we waited until the ceremony and had to do the photos after I would be stressed out about it and miss out on seeing everyone until the reception. I'm not worried about it making my walk down the aisle less exciting. The first look will be such a special moment together, but that walk down the aisle is THE MOMENT that we are about to get married so I know we will both be emotional no matter what. I think if you go either way the moment will be special, whether its just the two of you for a first look or seeing each other when you walk down the aisle.

My FH and I decided against the first look. The walking down the isle moment is very important to my FH.

A friend of mine got married last Christmas and is very traditional so she wanted to not have any first look before the walkbdown the aisle. She said her husband didn't mind either way. But her photographer suggested a first look and getting formal shots done before the ceremony. She said it calmed both their nerves and didn't take away any magic of walking down the aisle and is very glad she trusted his decision. It also allowed them time to enjoy their cocktail hour and visit with guests longer before heading out.


As a guest, I've seen it done both ways and we prefer the first look/pre-ceremony pictures idea.

We are doing a first look because I have bad anxiety and I want to be able to see my FH before i walk down to calm my nerves. Plus then we get a little bit more time to get our pictures taken and I want to share parts of my vows that are more private that I don't want to say in front of everyone. I love the sneaking up pictures, they turn out so cute and get a better reaction out of the groom since he isn't trying to keep composed in front of family lol

I'm opting out of both. Not close with my dad and I haven't lived with him in over 10 years. It seemed odd for my situation to be "given" away by him. My FH and I agreed not to do first look bc we knew our reactions wouldn't ne candid.

I’m doing a first look so we can take pictures before hand! I love cocktail hour and don’t want to miss it! I personally don’t feel like missing that much of the party is worth the drama of the aisle first look but there isn’t a wrong answer here. Just what works best for you and your fiancé!