If you’re planning a wedding then I bet a question "Are you doing first look?" might have been asked many time. When I ask my couples that same question, about half of them have never even heard of this and the other half have a definite opinion on it – one way or another.
So, what exactly is a first look?
A First Look is when the couple choose to see each other for the first time before the ceremony on their wedding day. The First Look allows couples to share this special moment together in a more private setting. Unlike traditional weddings where the couple plans to see each other during the ceremony. This is usually done about an hour and a half to two hours (or less in some cases) before the ceremony. It’s typically a very private moment, shared with just the couple – and the photographer, of course. (And sometimes your wedding planner.) The bride or groom is asked to stand in a set location, while the other bride or groom walks up behind them and taps them on the shoulder or whatever the prefer. Then when they turns around they get to set his eyes on their soon to be spouse for the first time.
Traditionally, couples will wait until the ceremony before seeing each other for the first time. However, it’s becoming more and more popular to see each other just before the ceremony for a number of reasons…
Why do couples choose to do a first look?
For several reasons! But the main one, quite simply, is time. When you do a first look, it allows you to take all of the pictures of your wedding party (and sometimes your family) before the ceremony even occurs. Traditionally, most of those pictures happen after the ceremony and the wedding party, most of the family, and the couple could end up missing most (or all) of the cocktail hour.
Speaking of the cocktail hour, when you do a first look, you’re more likely to be able to actually make it to the cocktail hour, where you can spend some extra time visiting with your guests. Your wedding day goes by so fast and this gives you just a little extra time to enjoy it.
And let’s not forget the nerves! If you think you are going to cry (which is normal) when you see your spouse to be for the first time and you don't want anyone to see it ;), then a first look may be for you. It’s a good time to let yourself get all emotional and cry it out, or laugh it out, or giggle yourself silly! Remember, it’s just the two of you, so enjoy it. And you don’t have to worry about ruining make up because you have plenty of time to re do it before the ceremony starts.
And my favorite part about the first look is the pictures. Besides the bride/groom being able to relax and focus on their bride/groom, it allows the couple the opportunity to see one another without 150 sets of eyes staring at them as they walk down the aisle. You don’t have to be calm, cool, and collected – you get to be yourself. I have seen couples absolutely lose it and cry like babies during the first look and I have seen them giggle uncontrollably like the one in this post. It’s so funny to watch their varied reactions – and it makes the best pictures! The first look pictures are almost always the ones I see pop up on FB after the wedding pictures are back.
A perk you may not have considered is the fact that you not only get these great first look photos, but you still get the pictures of the couple seeing each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle. I always say that you get to have two special moments instead of one – a private, personal, true emotion moment and a more serious, all eyes on you kind of moment.
We love a first look for all of these reasons, and for some other logistical reasons as well, but this is a choice that you and you spouse to be will need to make on your own. Every couple has their reasons for choosing to do (or not to do) a first look and we will respect that and be supportive of whatever decision you make. It’s your wedding day – you should have it all!
Hope this blog was helpful and will ease your stress a little on the question that you will have about first look.
Let's have some fun, comment below if you are planning to have a first look and how do YOU think your fiancé will react. Follow me on instagram to see more behind the scene
Vendors List:
Wedding Styled by Angel Tan
Wedding Dress: Jana Ann Couture
Suit: Zeglio Custom Clothiers
Flower: terra-coota Floral Studio
Hair and Makeup: Visionary Beauty Artist