Why do people do first Looks?

I mean, it's to each their own, so calling it super lame can be a little harsh 😬 Personally, we're doing a first look because my FH doesn't like to be the center of attention, and we want a moment to just be us before our ceremony. It also honestly is helping with our timelines a TON so that was an added bonus!

To get most of the pictures done before the ceremony, so the bride and groom don't have to miss half the reception taking photos.

First looks can also be the choice of same-sex couples. There's a lot of modernity nowadays.

So that I could enjoy the cocktails and appetizers I spent thousands of dollars on and to spend more time with my guests. Also so my husband didn’t feel pressured to get emotional in front of our 120+ guests. I think it’s super lame when people hate on others decisions that have no impact on them.

To each their own. Personally, we were very happy to do a first look. We were able to have a private moment together, just the 2 of us, before all the festivities began. Also, we were able to get the bulk of our pictures done before the ceremony, which gave us more time to enjoy with our guests after the ceremony. Also, the first look took nothing away from our moment at the altar as I walked down the aisle.

Fun fact: the concept of seeing the bride at the altar for the 1st time dates back to when arranged marriages were common and the altar was the 1st time the couple ever saw each other. The veil was for the same purpose: essentially to hide the bride's face in case the groom thought she was ugly and wanted to run 🙃.

It's not lame.

a ton of people do it because logistically it just helps with their scheduling. i did it for that same reason. i don't even think it takes away from you walking down the aisle either.

To each their own. My fiance and I are choosing to do a first look for multiple reasons. We want to spend a few minutes to ourselves before our ceremony, since we'll be spending the rest of the day socializing with everyone else. We want to get as many photos out of the way before the ceremony, so that we can enjoy the cocktail hour appetizers and beverages that we're paying for. I'm a shy person, so I'd rather see him for the first time on our wedding day in a more intimate setting (as opposed to in front of everyone at the altar). My fiance and I are walking down the aisle together, so he'll obviously see me beforehand anyway. I don't find any of those reasons to be lame, it's just our decision.

Being judgmental about other people’s personal choices which have absolutely no impact on you is “super lame.” To each, their own. And your post is in violation of the Community Guidelines you agreed to when you joined the WW forums.

I didn't understand it when I first started wedding planning but after seeing all the reasons as listed its actually really smart and can be more meaningful than having the first look in front of everyone. I wanted to do it but FH is being super lame.

Our cocktail hour is badass. 36 apps and 3 specialty stations. We aren’t missing that deliciousness.

Rude. You can look through a whole bunch of posts on this topic without posting and having an attitude about it. Do what you want at your own wedding.


We’re having a first look so it’s a private moment between us where we can really see each other and see the detail in our outfits (his suit is custom made and a secret from me, just like my dress is a secret from him). As opposed to having that overwhelming moment of doing that while everyone is watching and you’re walking down the aisle and then go right into the ceremony and vows. My photographer has said you still do get that emotional moment of seeing each other coming down the aisle even if you do a first look because then it’s a whole different context. Plus yes, logistically it just makes sense timing wise for us.
Maybe review the community guidelines and check your attitude before you post again and you’ll find this community to usually be a very kind and respectful one, unlike this post.

I think people do first looks for a variety of reasons including have pictures taken early in the day (esp if you are having a later ceremony), to have a private moment with your partner, to help calm down any nerves, so the couple can attend the cocktail hour, so there s no large gap between the ceremony and the reception. Do what works best for you and your partner but no matter when he/she sees you it will be a very special moment the question is whether you want everyone to see that moment or it be a sweet shared moment with just a few people. We havent decided yet if we are going to have a first look but if we don't we ll probably have a first touch I m going to be so nervous being the center of attention and nobody can calm me down better than him even if it just a sweet hand hold around a corner.