Why You Should Consider a First Look on Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful and emotional days of your life. Every moment, from getting ready in the morning to the final dance at your reception, is filled with excitement, anticipation, and love. One of the most significant moments of the day is when you and your partner see each other for the first time.
Traditionally, this happens at the altar, with family and friends watching as the bride makes her grand entrance. But in recent years, more and more couples are opting for a first look—a private moment before the ceremony where they see each other, share their emotions, and soak in the gravity of the day ahead.
As a luxury wedding videographer, I’ve captured countless first looks, and I can confidently say that they result in some of the most heartfelt, cinematic moments of the day. If you’re on the fence about whether to do a first look, here are some compelling reasons why it might be the perfect choice for you.
1. You Get More Time with Your Person on Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day goes by in an instant. From the moment you wake up to the final send-off, there’s a flurry of excitement, preparation, and celebration. While it’s one of the most joyful days of your life, it’s also incredibly busy, and you may find that you hardly get a moment alone with your partner.
A first look gives you an intimate, private moment together before the ceremony even begins. This is your chance to pause, breathe, and just be with each other. You’re able to take in the excitement without the pressure of hundreds of eyes watching. It’s an opportunity to share your personal thoughts, exchange letters or gifts, or simply hold hands and feel the magnitude of the moment.
Many couples say that this is their favorite part of the entire day because it’s the one moment they can be fully present with each other before the whirlwind begins.
2. More Time for Photos and Video Means More Stunning Memories
One of the biggest benefits of a first look is that it allows for a more relaxed and intentional timeline when it comes to photography and videography.
Traditionally, wedding portraits, wedding party photos, and family photos all happen between the ceremony and reception. While this can work, it often means squeezing a large number of photos into a very short window of time. If there are any delays in the schedule, it can feel rushed, and sometimes, couples don’t get as many portraits as they’d like.
With a first look, you get to take advantage of the best natural light and have more flexibility in capturing stunning portraits before the ceremony even begins. Here’s what this means for you:
- More time for creative, cinematic shots – Without the time crunch, your videographer and photographer can get more artistic and capture breathtaking shots that truly tell your love story.
- A chance to explore multiple locations – You can take portraits in different areas of your venue or even drive to a nearby scenic spot for variety.
- Less stress after the ceremony – Instead of rushing to take all your photos before the reception starts, you’ll already have most of them done, allowing you to enjoy cocktail hour and spend more time with guests.
If you’re investing in luxury wedding photography and videography, a first look ensures you’re getting the most out of that investment by allowing for a beautifully captured, unrushed experience.
3. A More Relaxed and Flexible Wedding Day Schedule
A wedding day timeline can be one of the most challenging parts of planning. With so many moving pieces—getting ready, transportation, the ceremony, photos, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing—it’s easy for things to feel hectic.
One of the biggest advantages of doing a first look is that it allows for a more relaxed and flexible schedule. Instead of cramming all of your portraits into the short window after the ceremony, you can space things out, creating a more enjoyable, stress-free experience.
With a first look, the typical timeline looks something like this:
- Morning: Getting ready
- Midday: First look and private moment together
- Early afternoon: Portraits, wedding party photos, and family photos
- Ceremony: A beautiful, relaxed moment without the rush of post-ceremony pictures
- Cocktail Hour: You can actually enjoy it since most of your photos are already done!
- Reception: More time to celebrate with your guests
Having a smooth, well-paced wedding day means you’ll feel more present and able to enjoy each moment without constantly watching the clock.
4. It Eases Nerves Before the Ceremony
Wedding day jitters are completely normal! Even if you’re not typically nervous in front of crowds, the anticipation of walking down the aisle can bring a flood of emotions. A first look helps ease some of that nervous energy by allowing you to see your person, take a deep breath, and share a moment of reassurance together.
Instead of bottling up all those emotions and trying to hold it together at the altar, a first look lets you express how you’re truly feeling in a private, comfortable space. Many couples say that after their first look, they feel more relaxed, grounded, and ready to enjoy the ceremony.
And don’t worry—if you’re concerned that a first look will take away from the emotion of seeing each other at the altar, it won’t. In fact, many couples find that having a first look makes the ceremony moment even more special. Since they’ve already had their private time together, they can truly soak in the emotions of the moment when they see each other again in front of their loved ones.
Will a First Look Ruin the Tradition?
One of the biggest concerns couples have is whether doing a first look will take away from the traditional moment of seeing each other at the altar. But here’s the truth:
A first look doesn’t take away the magic—it adds to it.
That emotional reaction when you see your partner for the first time? It still happens. But with a first look, you get to experience that moment twice—once in an intimate, private setting and again in front of your family and friends.
If tradition is important to you, consider making the first look your own. Some couples:
- Exchange letters and read them privately before the first look
- Have a “first touch” moment where they hold hands without seeing each other first
- Involve their wedding party for a fun and emotional reveal
Remember, your wedding day is about YOU. There’s no right or wrong choice—only what feels best for your love story.
Final Thoughts
A first look is one of the most beautiful ways to add intimacy, flexibility, and ease to your wedding day. It gives you a private, meaningful moment together, allows for a more relaxed timeline, and ensures you get stunning photos and videos without the stress.
If you’re still deciding whether a first look is right for you, let’s chat! As a luxury wedding videographer, I’m here to help you craft a wedding experience that feels perfect for you. No matter what you choose, I’ll be there to capture the magic of your day in a way that reflects your unique love story.
