As you are planning your wedding timeline and the photography shots you want, you might be trying to decide whether or not to do a first look with your spouse. There are a lot of mixed emotions about this trend, some people love the moment they get to share with just them before the wedding, while others are a little more superstitious about not wanting the groom to see the bride before the ceremony. Both are totally fine! In this blog post, I’m going to list out a few pros and cons of doing a first look, but then I’m also going to share with you some alternatives that you might be more interested in.

What Is A First Look?

A first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony begins. This intimate moment is usually caught by your wedding photographer and it can make for a truly emotional picture.

Pros Of A First Look

• Since you’re already getting pictures taken of this moment, you can also squeeze in some of your bride and groom portraits that way you don’t have to do them later in the day when you’re usually more busy.
• It gives you and your partner a few moments together before the whole event.
• You can capture an emotional moment on camera that you will cherish forever.
• It can help settle any nerves you and your partner are having.

Cons Of A First Look

• Becuase you’re doing this before the ceremony, you’ll have to get ready earlier in the day.
• Lighting may not be the most ideal, depends on the time of day your ceremony is.
• It COULD take away that special moment when walking down the aisle, but it doesn’t always.

Alternative Options For A First Look

First Touch

This is one of the most common options people choose as an alternative for a first look. This way it’s still an intimate and personal moment without blowing the whole surprise of your look. A lot of couples will stand behind doors and hold hands, stand back-to-back while holding hands, or one (or both) can wear a blindfold. These pictures will still be just as sweet as a first look.

First Read

A common tradition that couples do on their wedding day is giving each other a note to read while they both get ready that morning. If you wanted to make that moment and that letter even more special, think about reading it out loud to one another while you both are facing away from each other. You could also take this time to read your vows to one another if you don’t want to read them out loud during your ceremony.

First Prayer

If you and your significant other are religious, this would be a great choice. It’s such a meaningful and beautiful way to share an intimate moment of love and faith before heading to your ceremony. You don’t have to look at each other to do this either, just like in some of the other options I’ve mentioned, you can hold each other’s hands while one or both of you say a prayer together.

First Call

This is going to be the easiest option to plan into your wedding timeline since you don’t have to meet up for this, but it can still be just as sweet and effective as some of the other options. So, call your partner, and both of you can just talk out the nerves or read your love notes to each other. You’re probably wondering how this works out for pictures, well you will have to have two photographers or either get someone from the bridal party in each room to record/take pictures. Either way, it’s still going to be a sweet moment you can look back on.

First Song

If you’re a musically blessed couple, (or not, it doesn’t matter haha) this could be a super sweet option. You can express your love through a song that means something to both of you or one that you wrote. This one is for sure going to bring out the tears and sniffles, so be ready.

First Look With Other People

You know, no one said your first look HAS to only be with your spouse. You can have a first look with anyone. Here are a few other people you can do this with if this is the route you want to go:

• Wedding party
• Mother
• Father
• Siblings
• Grandparents

Now you have a lot of options to consider for your wedding day. Just know, whatever you do choose will be the right choice. I hope you have a very special wedding day and it’s all you have ever dreamed of!