What is a First Look: First Look vs No First Look in Weddings

In the whirlwind of emotions and moments that make up a wedding day, a first look is one of those moments that can really stand out. If you’re wondering, “What is a first look?” you’ve found the right blog post. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of having a first look vs. no first look during your big day and hopefully this will help you decide if you should have one!

Just in case we haven’t met, I’m a Boston-area wedding photographer who has captured many weddings throughout New England. I’m a big believer in living in the moment and getting to experience the full magic of your wedding day, without it turning into a photoshoot that feels like a chore. My specialty is documenting the day as it unfolds in a way that creates natural images to reflect who you are together. 

While many wedding traditions remain, one shift we’ve seen in recent decades is that many couples are choosing to see each other before their ceremony.  Among modern wedding trends, the first look has truly carved out a special place in the hearts of couples and wedding photographers like me. This intimate moment really offers a private space for all emotions to be released and gives the couple more time together!  Keep reading to learn all about what is a first look.

First things first: what is a first look?

Before we dive into the pros and cons of a first look, let’s discuss what a first look actually is. It’s essentially a private time for couples to see each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony begins.

This unique pre-ceremony time is not just about photographing the raw, candid moments of you and your partner as you both lay eyes on each other for the first time in your wedding day outfits, but it’s also about creating space for the special moments that might have otherwise been missed amidst the whirlwind of the day’s events. 

Remember that a first look doesn’t have to be strictly for you and your partner, either. It could be a memorable moment with your parents, family members, or closest friends. It doesn’t need to be anything too contrived or prescribed, it’s really just about carving out the space to be together. 

Advantages of a First Look

Why might you want to have a first look? Here are some of the more significant reasons why you might consider having one.

It can help to curb any nervousness

First things first, a first look can really help to alleviate any nervousness or pre-wedding jitters that you’re experiencing! As much as you’re looking forward to your big day, you may also be having a bit of stress and anxiety about how the day will go. The anticipation of seeing your partner at the altar, in front of your friends, family, and other guests, may just amplify those feelings. As someone who hates being in the spotlight, I totally understand these emotions.

A first look can offer a quiet, private moment away from others, providing you both with a chance to calm your nerves in each other’s presence. This intimate moment allows you to reassure and comfort one another before going up to the altar, and it is a nice way to press “pause” before everything begins. 

These are often some of the most memorable photos

As a photographer, I love having fun and being creative with first look photos, and these are often some of the most memorable photos. Whether it’s the look of joy and excitement on your partner’s face when they see you or full blown tears if either of you is overcome with emotion, these photos are incredibly memorable.

These photos tend to be incredibly raw, unfiltered, and candid. The anticipation and joy or even tears that may accompany a first look are irreplaceable moments that help document your genuine affection for one another. 

The first look can also be really personal. You can choose a meaningful location at the venue, incorporate special gifts to one another, or even just enjoy a moment of solitude together, all contributing to the uniqueness of the photos.

You get a moment alone with your person

Another pro of having a first look is that it gives you and your partner the opportunity to spend a quiet and undisturbed moment together before your whirlwind wedding day really takes off. Unlike a more “traditional” wedding, where you wouldn’t see your partner until the ceremony, a first look lets you break away and connect privately beforehand. Many of my couples also opt to exchange handwritten, personal vows during this private time. In all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, we sometimes lose sight of what the day is really about. Taking time for yourselves is important because your wedding really is about you two!

Plus, because of how busy your wedding day may actually feel once it starts, it will be nice to have a small moment in time where you can talk to one another. You’ll often be pulled in different directions throughout the day, speaking with friends and family.

Spend more time with guests – formal photos will be done!

A more overlooked advantage of opting for a first look is that it gives you and your partner the opportunity to actually spend more time with guests during the wedding. 

Usually, part of the post-ceremony time (like cocktail hour) would be devoted to taking your formal photos. This would be when you take photos with your family, wedding parties, and of you and your partner. While these photos are definitely important, taking them does usually require you to step away from the celebration for a bit, limiting time with your guests.

By choosing to have a first look, you can get those formal photos of you and your partner taken beforehand. This can really reduce post-ceremony photography time. Once vows are exchanged, you’ll have more time to celebrate with your guests.

The lighting is usually great

Lastly, a subtle yet significant benefit in having a first look is that the lighting is often superb (depending on when your actual ceremony is) during the time we take your photos. The timing of a lot of weddings means that the first look would occur during the late morning or early afternoon, which is when there’s a lot of natural lighting.

Drawbacks of a First Look

While there are plenty of pros to a first look, it’s also important to consider how adding a first look impacts your day. 

It adds to your timeline, and you’ll have to get ready earlier

While there are many benefits to having a first look, one potential drawback is that it can add to your wedding day timeline. Adding a first look requires planning and coordination and would add additional time to the beginning of your timeline on your wedding day.

This would also affect everyone involved who would need to help you and your partner get ready beforehand. This could mean having your wedding parties and family members come earlier to help you get ready. It could also look like hair, makeup, and other preparations being completed a lot earlier in the morning to accommodate the first look schedule. It can elongate an already long day.

However, if you’re already early birds, then it won’t be too much hassle to add a first look into your timeline, especially if you will both already be awake anyway! 

If you’re superstitious, you may not want to

If you hold more traditional beliefs or are mindful of wedding superstitions, then you may opt out of having a first look, and that’s completely okay. Choosing to forego a first look in favor of having an element of surprise at the altar could add some extra excitement and anticipation to your ceremony. Only you and your partner will know what it is best for you both! Having had a first look at my own wedding, and witnessing dozens of them over the years, I can also confidently say that the emotional charge is still present when you walk down the aisle, no matter what you choose.

Final Thoughts: First Look vs No First Look

The decision to incorporate a first look into your wedding day is a deeply personal decision. While the benefits of having a first look are truly compelling (I myself love a good first look), you will want to weigh them against the potential drawbacks.

Ultimately, whether a first look is right for you or not depends on your priorities, beliefs, or how you envision your wedding day unfolding. 

For some of my couples, breaking from tradition to steal a private moment before the ceremony enhances their emotional depth and enjoyment of their wedding day. For others, the anticipation of seeing each other at the altar for the first time and embracing the element of surprise holds a strong appeal.

Whatever your final choice, the key is to communicate openly with your partner, wedding photographer, and wedding planner, if you have one, to make sure that your wedding day really reflects your vision. Remember that there are really no right or wrong decisions to be made here! Only do what feels most authentic and meaningful to you as a couple.

If you are still searching for a perfect-fit photographer in the Boston area for your wedding, click here to get in touch. I’d love to learn more about your love story!

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