First look or traditional way?

We're going the traditional route, it's very important to both of us that the first time we see each other is when I'm coming down the aisle. I think it will make the moment that much more special. A first look seems really staged to me and I worry his reaction wouldn't be as genuine since there's so much pressure for the first look photos. It really just depends on the person! I will be doing a first look with my dad though

We were not going to do the first look but the more we thought about it we really wanted to take the time to enjoy with our friends and family during cocktail hour. After lots of conversation we opted to do first luck and we’re so glad that we did. It gave us time to spend together one on one and for me to see his reaction with just the two of us which I will cherish forever. It did not take away from anything as far as me walking down the aisle because he was still smiling from ear to ear. I think it’s definitely a personal preference and both you and your FH need to agree 100%.

Hey there, Lindsey

This WeddingWire article offers some pros and cons which may help you make a decision - Should You Do a First Look? The Pros and Cons.

How does your FS feel about doing a first look?

Definitely doing a First look, to knock out as much as possible before the ceremony. That way we don’t miss anything we’ve planned and spent money on. So FH and I will do a few final pics after the ceremony and then we’ll get to participate in the last 30 minutes of our cocktail hour (and experience our cocktail hour mingling and entertainment). We’re not traditional about the wedding and don’t want to take a crapload of pics.

We are doing a first look then knocking out most if not all of the other pictures before the ceremony. We wanted to be able to celebrate as much as we could with our friends and family since it's a DW.

We are not doing a first look. The benefit of doing a first look though is that you can get some pictures ahead of time so that your guests aren't waiting long after the ceremony for you to take pictures. Also if you're worried about the sun setting, first look might be the way to go. I just prefer the traditional way.

We kept ours traditional. That was the one thing FH was very adamant about. He did not want to see me until I was walking down the aisle.

This is a great question. I haven't even thought about this really. Thanks for posting, as I will talk to my FH about his opinions on this!

I will say, my cousin, who is also my MOH got married 2 years ago. She did a first look, outside, where he stood with his back to her, She came out with a bouquet of purple balloons (Her wedding color), holding them in front of her face. She tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around as the breeze blew and moved the balloons from her face...The kicker....THE STRING WENT AROUND HIS NECK! It was HILARIOUS and everyone watching got a good laugh out of it, and it made for some awesome photos!

We are going to do the traditional way. FH actually requested no first look, because he wants the first time he sees me to be when I am walking down the aisle to become his wife. he felt, and I agree, that doing a first look puts pressure on you to have certain facial reactions because there is a camera capturing it. And the fact there is a photographer right there with just the two of you makes it feel very contrived.

I chose first look! I wanted to get the most picture perfect moment, especially in the area we’re taking photos compared to the venue we’re marrying at. I didn’t want my photos to be all at the church. Plus, I just love first look photos. It’s an intimate moment between both of us before the wedding! I think it’s absolutely worth it.

We decided to do a first look so we can get those pictures out the way and spend more time enjoying the wedding we put together.

We are doing traditional that's what FH wanted and I. We decided that because traditional is what we wanted and I like the fact that me walking down would get his first reaction better.

I don't want to do the first look but will probably end up doing one for time purposes. Our reception will be for four hours so we'd like to get the most out of the night as possible.

We are doing the traditional way just because I want the magical moment with the perfect music and my photographer will be behind me to capture the expression of everyone's face as I walk down the aisle.

First look. We decided because I know we are both going to cry the first time we see each other so I'd rather have the first look and then be able to touch up my makeup before walking down.

First look for us! The majority of our guest are traveling quite a ways to see us for this wedding and we wanted to maximize out time with our guest. We don't want to have to leave our cocktail hour for pictures.

We did a “first look”, but we didn’t see each other before the ceremony. The photos were of us on opposite sides of a door holding hands.

We did not do one and I really really wish we would have. It would have been wonderful to have even 30 minutes together alone before the wedding whirlwind started. It was hard to relax and enjoy pictures just the two of us after when we knew people were waiting at cocktail hour and we wanted to hang out with everyone.

I'm doing my first look with my dad because I'm extremely close with my dad. Also because I want my FH to tear up when I walk down the aisle and if he sees me beforehand I know he won't. Haha

Haven't really talked about it but I think I want the traditional way. I want him to see me coming down the aisle and see what kind of emotion he has..also I want out pictures to have our wedding rings on.