Should We Do a First Look on Our Wedding Day?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of doing a first look before your wedding ceremony

The topic of whether to do a wedding day first look or not is hotly debated. Should you stick with superstition, and wait for that special moment down the aisle to see each other? Or is it better to grab a private moment together, before all the madness, and capture some beautiful photos? For me, honestly, I believe it’s a worthwhile break from tradition. And that’s because I’ve had the privilege of capturing so many powerful wedding day first look shots for my Minnesota couples!

In my experience, couples love getting the chance to spend a few precious moments together before the ceremony. To laugh about the last 24 hours they’ve spent apart. To share a few joyful tears. And create the most natural, carefree wedding photography!

But is planning a first look for your wedding day right for you? Let’s find out!

What is a First Look?

A first look normally takes place around two hours before the wedding ceremony, and gives the marrying couple a chance to see each other in private, away from the wedding party.

I typically scope out a suitably quiet location with my couples in advance. And while photographing them, I’ll usually try to keep my distance. Just to allow couples the opportunity to experience a genuine moment with one another.

The Pro’s of Doing a First Look on Your Wedding Day?

Let’s take a look at how a first look shoot could benefit not just your wedding album, but also your big day experience.

Calm the Nerves

I’m sure you know by now that planning a wedding is a wild ride. And your excitement/nerves will only intensify as the celebration approaches. On the big day itself, I’ve seen firsthand just how cathartic couples find it is to just stop for a second. To breathe and to share their thoughts with the only other person who really knows how they’re feeling.

If you know you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, or you feel that stress might be an issue on the day. Plan moments away from everyone into your wedding schedule, such as a first look, and that’ll help avoid overstimulation.

You’ll Get Amazing Photos

Genuine emotions create the greatest wedding photography. And while taking portraits later in the day is certainly wise, you’ll likely love the shots captured during your first look more. Because the emotions are fresh, and you’re reacting in real time. Something that never fails to look incredible on camera.

If you feel awkward when having your photo taken, a first look will also help. As the raw emotions of the moment will stop you from overthinking what your body is doing. It’ll also give you some invaluable practice in front of the camera, away from onlookers!

No Racing Against the Sunset or Missing Cocktail Hour

If your timeline allows, you should consider scheduling in some golden hour portraits. But having portraits at that time will likely mean you’ll need to leave cocktail hour and all the fun your guests are having! Minimize time spent away by taking the bulk of your wedding portraits during your first look shoot. That way you get some amazing photos, and you won’t miss so much of the party.

You’ll Look Your Very Best

On the big day, you and your partner will obviously look your best in the moments after getting ready. Which is when your first look shots will be captured!

Helps the Wedding Timeline Flow & Improves the Guest Experience

In my experience as a wedding photographer, very few of my Minnesota couples like being whisked away to take portraits during their celebration. It means they miss catching up with friends, and guests often feel a little lost too. Like they’re just waiting around until you come back…

Improve the wedding guest experience, and help the flow of the day by getting as many portraits done and out of the way during your first look. That way you can just glide from ceremony, to cocktail hour, to reception without feeling like the flow of the day has been broken. For both you and your guests.

There’s No Audience

You probably haven’t had professional photos taken too frequently in the past. And while I’ll guide you through every step as your wedding photographer, it’s normal to feel a little awkward in front of the camera. Especially if you’re camera-shy.

First look wedding photos are captured in private, away from the crowds, and any prying eyes. Which typically helps couples to feel more relaxed, and be themselves.

The Con’s of a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Now we’ve explored all the wonderful benefits a first look shoot can offer, let’s consider some of the downsides.

Breaking with Wedding Tradition

If you’ve always pictured seeing your partner for the first time on the aisle, and are sentimental about savoring this traditional moment. Then maybe a first look on your wedding day isn’t right for you.

Your Family Will Miss the Moment

Traditionally, every guest present at the wedding ceremony sees a couple’s first look on the aisle. Having it in private, before the ceremony, denies them that joy, and your chance of sharing it with them. This can be upsetting for some couples, especially those who are incredibly close to their family and friends.

Some Feel the Pressure to React

Even the most excited couples find it difficult to display that genuine emotion during a semi-staged situation such as a first look. Some feel expected to react in a certain way, or perhaps be more emotional than they would naturally feel.

Compromises – Plan a First Look that’s Right for Your Wedding Day

Following tradition may not be right for you, but breaking it altogether could be a step too far. Let’s find an alternative to a first look that works for your wedding day.

Do a ‘First Something Else’

You’re not allowed to see each other before the wedding ceremony, right? But nobody said anything about holding hands, hearing each other’s voices, or receiving a letter from each other. There are so many imaginative ways to recreate the first look shot that don’t involve actually seeing each other. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Exchange letters before the ceremony to read privately, also works well as narration on your wedding video.
• Record a message for each other to listen to while getting ready.
• Share a curated playlist with each other. Songs that you know your partner will love to listen to during the final few moments of wedding preparations.
• Hold hands around a corner, or through a wall without peeking.
• Speak to each other, but wear blindfolds or stay on opposite sides of a door.
• Surprise each other with a gift, either in person or privately.

Share the First Look with Your Family

If you’re super close with your family, then why not include them in your first look! Share the magic and involve parents, close relatives, and your wedding party. Either by allowing them to witness the first look between you and your partner, or having one with them! I’ve captured some adorable bride and father first looks in the past, and they are always tearjerkers!

Bringing your closest friends and family together for the big reveal(s) helps to add further emotional moments to the day, and should avoid loved one’s feeling left out.

So what do you say? Are you ready to plan the perfect first look for your wedding day? Or would you rather wait until your eyes meet on the aisle? Either way, I’d love to capture that moment for you.

I’m Emmerlee, an experienced wedding photographer based in Minnesota, and I’ve been fortunate enough to capture the weddings of countless couples across Minneapolis. From intimate moments between friends and family, to extravaganzas with hundreds of guests, and everything in between! It would be my honor to capture your celebration, and create a space you feel comfortable in.

Want to get a feel for my wedding photography style? Take a look at my portfolio, and if you have any questions, big or small, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Let’s make some beautiful memories together!