5 Reasons You Should Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Choosing whether to see your partner before the ceremony is one of the biggest wedding decisions you’ll make. While tradition suggests waiting until the aisle, more couples over the last decade have opted for a “First Look.”

Here are five reasons to consider this modern tradition for your wedding day!

Calm your pre-ceremony nerves

The morning of a wedding is often a whirlwind of adrenaline and anxiety. For many, that tension evaporates the moment they see their partner. A first look allows you to vent that nervous energy privately, so you can walk down the aisle feeling grounded and present rather than overwhelmed + stressed.

Share a Truly Private Moment

Whether or not you are having a big wedding or small celebration, your ceremony is still a public declaration of love in front of your guests. A first look is just for the two of you. It is often the only 15–30 minutes of the entire day where you won’t be surrounded by guests, family, or vendors (with the exception of yours truly to capture it all). It’s a chance to cry, laugh, and talk freely before the “official” festivities begin. I always make it a point to step back and give space, so this can truly feel like a moment between the two of you.

Maximize Your Photography Timeline

From a practical standpoint, a first look is a game-changer for your wedding photography schedule. By capturing couple portraits and even bridal party shots before the ceremony, you finish the bulk of your formal “work” early. This ensures you have plenty of variety in your gallery without rushing and lots of time at the tail end of the day which brings us to…

You can attend Your Own Cocktail Hour

If you wait until the ceremony to see each other, you’ll likely spend the entire cocktail hour taking family and couple portraits. By doing a first look, you can finish your photos early and actually join your guests for drinks and appetizers and mingling. Your guests will love getting more time with you, and you’ll get to enjoy the party you spent months planning.

Fresh Hair and Makeup

A first look usually happens shortly after you’ve finished getting ready. This means your hair is perfectly in place, your makeup is fresh, and your flowers haven’t begun to wilt in the heat. You’ll look your absolute best for your most important portraits of the day.

If spending time with your loved ones during your wedding is your priority, I always recommend going for the First Look to ensure you have plenty of chances to visit with your people. While some traditions are a beautiful way to honor the celebration of love, this has been a trend I love seeing.