The decision of whether or not to have a first look can have an impact on how you feel throughout your wedding day. Almost every wedding vendor I know or follow insists that everyone should have a first look, but I think a lot needs to go into making that decision.
What is a first look?
A first look is when you and your almost-spouse have your pictures taken together before the wedding instead of not seeing each other until ceremony. Traditionally, couples have their wedding pictures taken after the ceremony, which is often attributed to the idea that seeing each other beforehand is bad luck. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether this is a good fit for you and your wedding day.
What’s the timing for the day?
If your ceremony is close to when it gets dark, you might want to consider a first look so you can have natural light for your pictures. If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, there may be a big gap between when you finish the ceremony and when the reception starts, so you might as well make use of that time! If your ceremony is early in the day, having a first look means you’ll have to have your hair and makeup done earlier (and therefore wake up earlier).
Where do you want to go?
If you really want your pictures to be somewhere that’s not close to the venue, having a first look will give you more time to get there and back without missing your reception and time with your guests. If you want to stick around the venue for your photos, your guests will still be nearby.
Are you already seeing each other that day?
Some couples see each other the day of the wedding, but they don’t want to see each other dressed up until the ceremony. If you know you’ll wake up next to each other that day, is it worth it to be apart for so much of the day? You decide!
How will you feel?
The moment you see each other across the aisle is one that you’ve probably waited for your whole life. Many married couples say that having a first look did not change that moment for them. If you think you might cry, think about whether you want that moment to be while everyone’s watching or while you two are alone. A lot of people who think they’ll be nervous on their wedding day choose to do a first look so they can find comfort in each other and be more relaxed before the ceremony. If you don’t do a first look, you’ll take your wedding pictures in those exciting and relieving first few minutes of finally being married!
What could happen before the ceremony?
Are you worried about getting your dress dirty before you walk down the aisle? Do you want to stay hidden from all your guests until they see you at the ceremony? Would you rather not risk being late to your own ceremony? It’s all up to you!
I hope this helps you make the decision that’s right for your wedding day! As always, I’m happy to help you decide—send me an email to tell me your thoughts so far!
Melanie and Dan eloped at Victoria Valley Vineyards in the mountains of South Carolina. Afterwards, we went to Table Rock State Park for some mountains and waterfalls!