Should I do A First Look?

I think a lot of couples ask themselves if they should do a first look.

In the olden days, you wouldn’t see each other until one of you walks down to greet the other at the end of a long aisle. However, times have changed. A lot of couples choose to get a glimpse of the other before that long walk. This is called a “First Look”.  It is typically a private moment before the ceremony where you and your future spouse (plus a photographer in most scenarios) get to see each other.

If you want the grand entrance and surprise at the moment of your ceremony, that’s totally okay! Some brides have dreamt of that very moment since they were little girls, and there is nothing wrong with it at all. I have been to weddings where the groom didn’t see the bride until she was coming down the aisle, and that was an amazing moment for everyone there to be involved in.

However, this post is about First Looks, and I want to go over the many benefits if you choose this path:

A First Look Helps With The Nerves

I don’t care who you are, on your wedding day, you will be a nervous.

Hopefully you are about to marry someone who can help you feel less nervous. Knowing that you will be the center of attention for the entire ceremony and reception, plus the emotions that come from walking down the aisle. . . doing a first look is a calming experience for a lot of reasons. It gets a dramatic moment out of the way and lets you kind of ease into the wedding.

A First Look Is Private

You are not going to have a lot of “alone time” with your spouse on your wedding day.

In fact, you are not going to have a lot of alone time, period. A first look may be one of the only opportunities that you and your spouse can really look at each other, talk, and enjoy being present together, without a bunch of people around you, vying for your attention.

First Looks Are Still Exciting

Trust me, if you do a first look, it will still be a beautiful moment and the excitement is very comparable to the walking down the aisle scenario.

When I did my first look, I had to meet my fiancé outside a large wine barrel room. This meant that he was waiting for me outside the room, with our photographer. I was led by a person who worked at our venue. While I was walking through the room, a large group of French tourists were on their way into the building. I had to stop and wait for about 50 people (some of them taking pictures of me!) to pass by before I could exit and greet my man. I was very excited to start with, and while I stood there that emotion certainly grew. By the time I was ready to see him, I couldn’t wait. And it was amazing!

Here are some of the photos of the actual first look:

Photo credit goes to our amazing photographer: www.adamjclarkphotography.com

No matter what you choose to do, the first time that you see each other, ready to get married, will be special. Something about actually wearing the “wedding uniforms” solidifies what you’re doing, and really puts a stamp of “realness” on it. You’ll enjoy yourself no matter what.

More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice:

Discounted Wedding Photography (What You Need To Know)

How To Save Money On Your Wedding (Without Cutting Guests)

How To Write Your Own Wedding Vows

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