Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

N
Just Said Yes May 2022

First Look?

Nicole, on February 22, 2021 at 10:39 AM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 23
Hello! I’m trying to decide if my fiancé and I should do a first look or not. Looking for some opinions on whether it’s a good idea or not! Thank you!

23 Comments

Latest activity by Eniale, on March 1, 2021 at 8:39 AM
  • Lisa
    Rockstar July 2022
    Lisa ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    It's definitely a personal decision. Initially, I was against the idea of a first look. However, after talking to our photographer, we decided to do one, and I'm really looking forward to it!! The reasons we decided to do one are: it's a private moment between just me and my fiance. I'm more of a shy person, and we feel that this will help us feel a little less stressed out. Also, since we're going to be spending the whole day around people, it will be nice to spend a few minutes with just us. We can also get all (or at least most) of our pictures out of the way before the ceremony, so that we can attend cocktail hour with our guests (and we would get to enjoy the appetizers that we are paying for at cocktail hour).
    • Reply
  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I did it because based on our schedule it was better to get photos out of the way first
    • Reply
  • Hanna
    VIP June 2019
    Hanna ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Doing a first look (and getting our formal photos out of the way before the ceremony) was an absolute must for us! There is no way we would have been able to fit all the photos we wanted into cocktail hour. Plus some couples like to attend cocktail hour!

    • Reply
  • S
    Expert November 2021
    Sara ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Like both PPs above me, we will be doing one because it makes sense with our timeline. Too many photos to cram into cocktail hour

    • Reply
  • Courtney
    Expert September 2022
    Courtney ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We'll be doing one for scheduling reasons, but I also love them.

    I think it's important to talk to your photographer and get an idea of how close they'll be to you. I know some people have a hard time giving a genuine reaction when cameras are so close and they're expected to give a big expression of emotion.

    I've talked to a lot of brides and grooms, and so many have said they felt pressure to hold it together up at the altar, whereas a first look is supposed to be very intimate and they're more freely able to give their reactions.

    • Reply
  • M
    Expert September 2021
    Marianne ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We're doing a first look for a few reasons: to help ease our nerves before the ceremony, to knock out most of our pictures beforehand (planning on everything except extended family shots and maybe some golden hour pictures), and to be able to enjoy cocktail hour and spend more time with our guests! FH isn't emotionally expressive, so it's not like our guests will be missing out on that "groom crying at bride's beauty" moment anyway haha

    • Reply
  • Tory
    Devoted May 2022
    Tory ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Okay so I was initially against the first look since I wanted everyone to be a part of it, but now after seeing all these explanations about scheduling pictures with your FH and having a more intimate moment between the two of you since the rest of the day really won’t be, I think I have flipped to wanting one 😅
    • Reply
  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    It's super popular these days but I won't be doing it.
    • Reply
  • V
    Rockstar July 2019
    Veronica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We choose to do a first look. I was originally against it, but it was something my husband really wanted to do. A huge benefit we found was that it saved time during cocktail hour. We took separate bridal party photos, a first look with my dad, and my husband and I's first look prior to the ceremony. During cocktail hour, we did family photos, full bridal party photos, and additional photos of my husband and I which only took about 45 minutes. Whereas my brother didn't do any photos before the ceremony and his cocktail hour ended up going about 30-45 minutes longer which delayed the start of the reception and dinner. He also was pulled away from his reception to take photos of him with his wife since they didn't have enough time to even with cocktail hour going longer so he missed a great deal of his reception. I was also glad we did a first look because it gave us more time to spend spend as a couple and helped calm my nerves.

    • Reply
  • A
    Expert September 2020
    Amanda ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    We did because were pretty private and didn’t want to be overly emotional in front of our guests. Plus, it helped with timing for taking photos beforehand.
    • Reply
  • L
    Lady ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We didn't and I wish we would have. I felt like everything was exciting and rushed after we were married that it would have been nice to have like 30 minutes or so alone together where people were waiting for us or watching us get our pictures taken.

    • Reply
  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We did a first look and it was one of my favorite parts of our wedding day. Having that moment with just the 2 of us was really special. I also lover all of our photos and our video from our first look.

    Logistically, first looks are also very helpful because you can get a lot of photos done pre-ceremony. This keeps you from being away from your guests too long after the ceremony.

    • Reply
  • Alex
    Dedicated May 2021
    Alex ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    It’s a personal decision

    My FH was dead set against it until we talked about it & realized there just aren’t enough hours in the day to have ALL of the photos done during the cocktail hour.
    Realistically brides are left with three options: do a first look to get some photos out of the way pre-ceremony, have your cocktail hour potentially be 2-3 hours long, or skimp on photos.
    However, if you really don’t want a first look and feel that it’s against your views to have one, don’t do it. You don’t want to ruin that moment for you or your fiancé for the convenience of your guests.
    • Reply
  • Dallas
    Devoted November 2020
    Dallas ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We did not do a first look, and we zero regrets on anything. DH wanted the firs look to be me walking down the aisle, and we were still able to get all of our photos/alone time in no problems. Hope that helps!

    • Reply
  • Catherine
    Dedicated September 2021
    Catherine ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Definitely a personal decision. We’re choosing not to, mostly because when I asked FH, he said the idea of seeing me all dolled up for the first time as I walk down the aisle gives him goosebumps, and the idea of a first look didn’t. Sounds silly but I think truly weighing how you both feel is incredibly important! We’re willing to sacrifice the logistical benefits of a first look to get some goosebumps.
    • Reply
  • MLS
    Dedicated September 2021
    MLS ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    We will not be doing a first look. For me personally it takes away what I have been waiting for. I won't do it because it makes sense logistically either. I'm not going to take something that I want away, for logistics. That may sound unreasonable, so be it. It's all personal choice.
    • Reply
  • Katherine
    Expert October 2021
    Katherine ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    It's honestly a personal decision. I don't personally plan on doing on with my fiance. I really want that walk down the moment isle for when he first sees me. To me first looks ruin that. If u dreamed of that moment where u want him to be surprised and cry I don't recommend. To me it's more special. I do plan to do a first look with my parents and bridesmaids tho.
    • Reply
  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    One of my besties got married a couple years ago and she was very anti first look/pictures before the ceremony. Her photographer convinced her to give it a try and she said it calmed their nerves so much and the magic of walking down the aisle was still there. Plus they were able to spend the entire reception with guests and no gap. Now she recommends it to everyone.

    I've been a guest at a few weddings that have done all pictures before the ceremony so there is no gap beyond driving time and guests really appreciate it.

    • Reply
  • Tia
    Beginner June 2023
    Tia ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Now I’m torn! Originally, I was 100% against the first look pictures just feeling like it takes away that moment and emotions when he first sees you walking down the isle. Then on the other hand it would be great to do it for time purposes and get those pictures out of the way, have some alone time and could actually enjoy the cocktail time with guests. Tough decision so would definitely depend on what’s more important to you and your FH
    • Reply
  • M
    Devoted April 2021
    Michelle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I wont be doing a first look. I want the traditional first look moment in front or everyone

    I will say that i have 7 friends who have done the first look for their weddings and 5 of them regretted it.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

WeddingWire article topics