First look vs no first look

We didn’t have a first look. The first time he saw me was walking down the aisle. I don’t wish we had the first look. I loved seeing his smile as I walked down the aisle and pray I didn’t trip as I walked. It also made all our couple pics so much more special because it’s our first time being with each other and we are officially husband and wife.


Are you trying to save photography time in between the ceremony and reception? You can always line up a few pictures with the bridal party without the other one present to avoid the first look. I would say make a list of all your pics you want and see when things need to happen - I.e. couple pics without the first look, bridal party pics with 1 person from the couple, family, etc.

My FH and I both decided we do not want a first look. We both want the first time he sees me to be as a walk toward him down the aisle. I spoke with my Photographer and he said it really won't save that much time anyway. He has been doing this for 17 years and says he can have all the pictures taken within 10-15 minutes. I say if you don't want one, don't have one..Just get an experienced photographer that can get all the pics done in a timely fashion!! Don't let what others say persuade you to do something you don't want!! I say if your against it now you will regret it later!! I recommend to go with how you feel, don't do it!! And if you really want to "save time" do a "first look* with everyone but your FH. Get all the pics done that you don't need him to be in before the ceremony. However, I spoke with my Photographer about this and again, he says it won't save but 3-4 minutes, if any and itdbe best to go with my original plan!!.. Which is no first look of any kind. Congratulations and good luck to you!!

We both decided we will not have a first look.
We've waited 17 years for this moment and we want it to be as organic as possible.
He will see me for the first time when I come out and start walking down the aisle.

Not a fan of them at all. The best part of the wedding is seeing the grooms face when he sees his bride for the first time walking up the aisle to marry him! My new husband and I were totally against it and didn't have one. His son is getting married this Saturday and they are doing one. I know the guests are all bummed about it, i've heard about it ALOT. I would never tell another bride what to do though, just wasn't for us

View Quoted Comment Thanks Becca!

View Quoted Comment Good points! Thank you!

View Quoted Comment Wow 17 years!!! Congrats! And thank you

I am glad we did a first look because it allowed for another photo opportunity. Also because I think it helps with jitters.
If you don’t want one, I’ve seen people do a first photo around a wall or corner. The bride and groom hold hands but don’t look around the corner

View Quoted Comment Oh good to know on the time saving! Thank you!

View Quoted Comment Yes we were considering that as well! I think that’s a very sweet idea. Thank you!

View Quoted Comment Thank You!!!❤❤


Another option , an alternative to first look would be you and your fh hold hands while you both are standing on each sides of the door. This was suggested to me by one ofnthe photographers I spoke to.

Truthfully I wanted to do a first look only to save time after the ceremony since we only have a 4 hour event and 3.5 hours with the photographer. My family is old school and was very against it since they want my FH to see me first when I walk down the isle. What I have decided to do was have my family(immediate mom,dad,brother,grandma,aunt) show up at 4 to the venue to take our family pictures, then at 4:30 my fiance will show up with his immediate family for pictures before the ceremony at 5. That way we save some time on family pictures after the ceremony and get the romantic shots we want during out mini cocktail "hour". Only do it if you guys really want to and not just to save time.

We did first look and honestly I’m glad we had that special moment alone and I could really see his reaction. And when I walked down the aisle he still cried.

View Quoted Comment That’s a great idea!! I’ll have to find a list with all of the different shots I want taken and then hopefully we can arrange something like that!

View Quoted Comment Aww that’s very sweet!
My fiancé is not very emotional at all. I don’t expect him to cry, he doesn’t show emotion like that lol. I wish I could just get one single tear hahaha

We did a first look and I’m so glad we did. It didn’t make walking down the aisle any less special or any less emotional.

We didn’t do a first look and have 0 regrets. The walk down the aisle was the most special moment ever and I wouldn’t have jeopardized that for any amount of pictures. After the ceremony we spent about 15 mins doing family photos, 15 mins doing bridal party photos, and 15 minutes on bride and groom portraits. We still made it to the last 15-20 mins of cocktail hour! And a few times throughout the reception (about once an hour), our photographers pulled us outside for about 5-10 mins for some more photos of the two of us. Let me tell you, we have more photos than we could EVER even fit in an album 😂 i can’t imagine what we would possibly do with more photos and I’m so glad we didn’t bother doing more before the ceremony...

View Quoted Comment Oh that’s great! That makes me feel better! Thank you 😊

View Quoted Comment Oh that’s great! Thank you so much 😊

We’re doing a first look and we’re sooo excited for it! Is gives you a special moment together before the whirlwind of the day, plus you get some amazing pictures.