If you are like many couples you have never heard of a first look until you started planning your wedding. A first look is a somewhat choreographed moment for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. Pretty simple, right?

What exactly is a first look?

reasons to do a first look

1. The biggest reason couples choose do a a first look is get the formal pictures done before the ceremony. That way when the ceremony is over you can just relax and have fun at your reception. You don’t have to stop and refocus on all the formal family pictures.

2. You have more time for pictures. By doing them before the ceremony we aren’t limited to cocktail hour to get all the formal pictures done. More time means more pictures and most likely a greater variety.

3. Your guests don’t have to wait while you take pictures after the ceremony. It’s pretty tough to get all the pictures done during cocktail hour which means your guests might have to wait a little bit longer for you to return.


4. You might be more relaxed during the ceremony. Some couples say seeing their fiancé before the ceremony helped them to be more calm and relaxed in the moments before and during the ceremony.

5. It’s less risky. You have extra time built into the timeline in case things run late.

6. You will look your best for pictures. You will be minutes removed from hair and makeup and be looking flawless instead of doing pictures an hour or so later after the ceremony.

reasons NOT to do a first look

1. You have always dreamed of that moment as the bride is walking down the aisle. It just seems wrong to see each other before the ceremony.

2. You will look your best during the ceremony. Taking pictures before the ceremony likely means that you are walking around in your dress, often outdoors. It’s possible your dress could get a little dirty. Not doing a first look means you will be fresh out of hair and makeup right before the ceremony.

3. It’s possible you will look and be more relaxed for pictures AFTER the ceremony. Some couples just can’t get fully relaxed until the ceremony is over. Maybe you are worried about messing up your vows or tripping as you come down the aisle. Many couples can’t relax until that monkey is off their back. If that’s you, you should consider NOT doing a first look.