First Look Thoughts??

We didn't do a first look. It was important to me and DH that we see each other for the first time as I walked down the aisle. We had our "alone moment" after the ceremony when we just collapsed in each other's arms, relieved, giddy and happy that we were finally married. I understand why people would want to do a first look, but this is what we wanted for ourselves.

I wouldn't mind the First Look, as it would save time... and I would like to enjoy the cocktail hour.

But FH is against it.

I really wanted a first look to help calm my nerves, save on time, and to have a bit of time with my FH before the ceremony. He however is completely against it and says he can't imagine not seeing me for the first time when I walk down the aisle. So we aren't doing it.

We're doing a first look after much back and forth debate. At first he wanted it, but I didn't because I wanted that moment of him seeing me when I walk down the aisle. His side of the debate was that we are both HIGHLY emotional people and the first look will definitely help us not be blubbering cry babies at the alter.

After a few months of not thinking about it though and as I'm starting to think about a timeline, I've joined his side of doing the first look. Our wedding is in the winter so pictures outside after the ceremony would be in the dark. That moment of just us together is going to be much appreciated on a day full of people. Also, our venue has a little loft area where we and the wedding party can retreat to for cocktail hour and have our own little cocktail hour before the big ol' reception begins! We're very much looking forward to using that loft!

We chose not to go with a first look because we both have always envisioned that magical moment of seeing each other when I'm walking down the aisle. That being said, we have realized that for photography purposes it does mean you have to be prepared to take a lot of shots in separate groups before the ceremony and you forfeit time with your guests at cocktail hour. We're also staying together the night before and making time to have a cup of coffee together the morning of before I head to the salon to start hair/makeup so that we do have some alone time together before the craziness sets in.

Also, I went to a wedding last year and the couple did a first look but no magic was lost for them because as soon as the groom saw his bride coming down the aisle he started crying. So really I think its up to personal opinion and honestly the time of year you're getting married, like other posters have stated, winter weddings you lose time for daylight so a first look would probably be beneficial.

I've honestly gone back and forth on this so many times and finally decided no. I love the idea of having more time for photos, but I've always wanted that moment when I walk down the aisle and he sees me for the first time. We decided to stick with tradition on this one.

We were adamantly against it from the beginning. FH is SUPER emotional and I want the first time he sees me to be when I'm walking down the aisle. Also, I am slightly superstitious about the whole thing lol. We extended our cocktail hour by 30 minutes so we have time for pictures and time to hang out with guests.

I agree with the others, this is a highly personal thing and only you and your FH can make this decision.

Almost all of the couples I marry do a first look. My photographers love the chance to capture the tenderness of a first, private look rather than the deer in the headlights of 200 guests and your beloved.

We are doing it!!! Our wedding is pretty non-traditional anyway. We are getting married in the Virgin Islands and I want the photographer to capture our private moment together and then go off and do our couples portraits prior to the ceremony. Since our ceremony doesn't start until 5:30pm, we want to make sure the sunlight after the ceremony is used to photograph us with family and friends and mingling with our loved ones!

ETA: I don't think walking down the aisle will be any less special with a first look.

Definitely not doing it. We are just traditional in that aspect and won't be sleeping together the night before either. The last time I will see him is at rehearsal dinner. Im excited for his reaction of me walking down the aisle. I just can't do first look, although I know the photos would be amazzzzzzing!

Honestly I'm not very traditional at all and this was the one thing I've dreamed about my whole life. But after seeing other posts where this was discussed, I'm actually excited to do a first look!

It logically makes sense, but also seems nice to have that moment be intimate and just us and get better pictures of it than when I'm walking down the aisle. It also swayed my decision when hearing that others who have walked down the aisle said they didn't even get to see his reaction because he was too far or they were too nervous and how Celia mentioned (in a different post) that it doesn't take away the special feeling of walking down the aisle.

We didn't as my DH and I felt really strongly about the aisle being the first time he saw me. We did get the majority of pics done ahead of time though! Also my DH is a dork and refused to talk to me the whole wedding day prior to the ceremony which made seeing him so special =)

We're not. I've always imagined walking down the aisle being the first time he sees me, and also, FH never shows emotion, but he swears he's going to cry when he sees me....so if he's gonna show emotion when he sees me I want it to be when I'm walking down the aisle. lol

ETA: We will most likely do something like this though. Maybe not a note, but maybe just to pray together. I know talking to him beforehand will calm my nerves.

We did one with absolutely NO regrets. The butterflies and excitement while I was coming down the aisle were still almost overwhelming for both of us. Being able to hold hands and hug and cuddle prior to the ceremony was the BEST and calmed us both down. There are not a lot of private moments where you can talk to your husband during your party. Plus, we put a lot of thought into our food and wanted to enjoy it. We knew if we did not mingle with our guests during cocktail hour, we would have to make the rounds during dinner and that was just not ideal for us where we were sitting with our kids. To each their own. Do what you both feel comfortable with.