First looks have been popular at weddings for quite some time now. In case you haven’t heard of a first look, it’s the first moment where the bride and groom see each other on their wedding day. It’s an intimate moment between the couple where no one else (except the photographer and/or videographer) is around. There are many reasons why a couple would choose to have a first look, whether it be for special photo opportunities, to calm nerves before the ceremony by seeing each other, and more!
HOW TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO DO A FIRST LOOK
Here are our tips for deciding whether or not you want to do a first look!
Talk to each other
One of the first things that you should do before deciding to do a first look is… talk to your spouse! Their opinion on whether or not to have a first look is just as important as yours. While it’s true that many wedding decisions fall on the bride, this is definitely something that should be discussed between both of you.
Is it important for them to see you for the first time as you walk down the aisle? Or would seeing you before the ceremony help calm their nerves? Both of you probably have some expectations for the day, so talk through them together! You may end up needing to compromise a little bit if you find that you have different thoughts about it.
What have you always envisioned?
Before you talk to your spouse-to-be about doing a first look, take some time to think about what you have always envisioned. First looks have been popular for quite some time now, so there’s a good chance that you have fallen in love with the idea of having that special moment together before you walk down the aisle!
Or, maybe you’re more of a traditional bride-to-be, and absolutely want to wait until the moment that you’re walking down the aisle to see your soon-to-be spouse.
If you don’t have much of a preference either way, and can picture your wedding day with or without a first look, then find out what your spouse is thinking! You’ll be able to talk through it together and come up with a decision.
Think about your timeline for the day
Finally, you’ll need to think about what you want your timeline for the day to look like. If you are someone who really wants to be at your cocktail hour, then you may want to consider doing a first look. You’ll be able to get most of your pictures done before the ceremony, leaving time for you to enjoy cocktail hour and mingle with guests!
Also, keep in mind that from a photographer’s standpoint, a first look gives so many more opportunities for photos. You’ll have time before the ceremony, after the ceremony (if needed), and time during sunset! This gives plenty of opportunities in case lighting isn’t working out, or if the timeline gets a bit messed up throughout the day.
TIPS FOR A FIRST LOOK
Did you decide to do a first look? Here are a couple of our tips for doing one!
Read a letter to each other/say personal vows
A first look gives you such a special opportunity to spend one-on-one time with each other. We think it’s so sweet when couples take the time to read each other a letter to each other. Or, if you opted to do traditional vows during your ceremony, you could always take time during your first look to say some personal vows to each other that you wrote yourself! This moment is perfect for your videographer, too.
Keep the moment private
We really suggest keeping this moment between just the two of you (with the exception of your photographer and/or videographer, of course). It is such a special moment, and if you’re doing a first look, then you likely want it to be private, anyway!
Do you want to really wow your soon-to-be spouse with the perfect wedding dress? We can help you out with that! Book your appointment with us today to find your dream dress!
Featured Image Photo by Eric Alves on Unsplash