A Wedding Day 'First Look' | 10 Things You Need to Consider
What is a first look?
A “first look” is a wedding industry trend in which the wedding couple will share an intimate moment by seeing each other for the first time before their wedding ceremony. This expression is typically used when the moment is planned beforehand with the photography and videography team present. First look wedding photos are often followed up with bride and groom creative portraits.
What is the point of a first look?
A first look will bring freedom to your wedding schedule. If you see your fiancé earlier in the day, you can get all your formal portraits and bridal party photos done before your ceremony, meaning you don’t have to spend cocktail hour taking pictures. A first look will melt your nerves and avoid you feeling overwhelmed during the ceremony. You’ll have a beautiful moment to prepare for the day with your loved one. It will also give your photo and video team control of the lighting, location, and pose of your reactions, ensuring perfect documentation and room for creativity.
What is a typical wedding day timeline with a first look?
Creating a more flexible timeline is one of the main perks of having a first look. Instead of waiting to take all your formal wedding photos until after the ceremony, you can snap most of them before. This means you’ll actually be present during cocktail hour and enjoy time extra with your guests! Below are two sample wedding day timelines with a 4:00PM ceremony time - one couple chose to have a first look and the other did not. Which timeline fits you better?
(Please note: We still wait under post-ceremony to take formal family photos because not all family members may be present beforehand.)
Wedding Day Timeline
WITH First Look
| 8:00AM | Start Getting Ready |
| 12:00 | Getting Ready - Finishing Touch Photos |
| 12:30 | Get Dressed |
| 1:00 | First Look |
| 1:15 | Couple's Portraits |
| 2:15 | Wedding Party Portraits (could do family here too!) |
| 3:00 | Down Time/Candid Photos |
| 4:00 | Ceremony |
| 4:30 | Ceremony Ends, Family Formal Photos |
| 5:00 | Enjoy Cocktail Hour! |
| 5:30 | Reception Entrances & Dinner |
| 6:30 | Party! |
Wedding Day Timeline
WITHOUT First Look
| 9:00AM | Start Getting Ready |
| 1:00 | Getting Ready - Finishing Touch Photos |
| 1:30 | Get Dressed |
| 2:00 | Partner 1 & Party Photos |
| 2:30 | Partner 2 & Party Photos |
| 3:00 | Down Time/Candid Photos |
| 4:00 | Ceremony |
| 4:30 | Ceremony Ends, Family Formal Photos |
| 5:00 | Full Wedding Party Portraits |
| 5:15 | Couple's Portraits |
| 5:30 | Reception Entrances & Dinner |
| 7:00 | Party! |
What if we want to have our ‘first look’ while walking down the aisle?
That’s awesome! Simply seeing your fiancé at the ceremony allows your friends and family to witness your initial reactions to one another and builds anticipation and suspense to the ceremony! This video shows how emotional that special moment can be when you forego a first look.
How do you plan a first look?
The first thing you need to do is talk to your photo and video team. With their help, choose a location at your venue that is beautiful and well-lit. Coordinate where you will stand and how you will reveal yourself. One partner will often walk up behind the other, put a hand on their shoulder and turn them around. Make sure you talk with your photographers about which way you to turn so they are ready to capture it. Other first look reveal ideas include standing back to back, hold hands and turning around at the same time, walking around a corner, or removing a blindfold! If your venue has an elevator, use it for a dramatic reveal! Whatever you decide to do, make sure your photo and video team is ready to capture the moment.
What do our past couples have to say about first looks?
“Do it! Its such a great experience for you to have alone with your new husband, especially since you'll be busy the rest of the day.” -Angel B.
“I’m glad we didn’t do a first look because I think it would have ruined the moment. Seeing him for the first time while walking down the aisle made the ceremony more real and emotional not only for us but for family and friends watching as well!” -Izzy P.
“My advice is to do the first look. It helps allow any emotions to come out before the wedding. Plus we were able to have more pictures done! If you wait to walk down the aisle, you have to wait like 30+ minutes to hug or even say anything and even after the wedding it’s hard to have 5 minutes to just relax and talk.” -Ashley D.
“We chose not to do a first look. It was so special sharing the moment with our family and friends, everyone got to witness the first time we both saw each other. We had a very relaxing morning knowing we didn’t have to rush to get ready for pictures.” -Brady M.
“Totally do it! You won’t regret the look on your mans face when he turns around in a private environment (because he will probably cry)!” -Autumn C.
5 First look ideas to make your moment unforgettable!
Have 2 photographers present to capture both you and your partner’s reactions. Your videographer should have 2 cameras too!
Leave your bridal party behind. The more private your moment is, the more emotional it will be.
Write letters to read each other before the reveal. Let out your feelings and build anticipation. Letters are a great keepsake to add to your wedding album or memento box! (If you opt out of a first look, you can still write each other letters and exchange them before the ceremony!)
Give your wedding gifts during the first look. What better time to shower your partner with love?
Do a “first look prank”. Buy a thrift store dress for the best man or bride’s brother and surprise your partner with an unforgettable ‘fake reveal’ before doing your real one!
Consider a first look with parents and friends!
Many brides like to capture first look moments with their bridesmaids, brothers, fathers, or grandpas once they are in their dresses and ready to go. Grooms can also do an emotional reveal with their mothers, sister or grandmas, or a silly one with friends. Some of the most beautiful moments we have captured are first look reveals between family and friends.
So, should you do a first look?
If you are following our Wine & Wedding Tips series, you should already have a list of priorities for your wedding day. Make a sub-list about this moment. How important is seeing your partner’s reaction as you walk down the aisle and sharing it with your friends and family? Think about how much time you want for pictures, and if are you okay with making your guests wait between the ceremony and reception. Decide what is important to you and go from there.
No matter how it happens, the moment you see your fiancé on your wedding day will be incredible.
You’ll both be looking good as hell, ready to commit to a lifetime together. It’s special. It deserves to be photographed, recorded, and shared forever.
Have questions? Suggestions for more quick tips? Contact us here!
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