Pros & Cons of A First Look and How To Do It Successfully
What is a first look?
A first look is a fairly new trend in wedding photography when a wedding couple decides to see each other on their wedding day before their wedding ceremony. The first look is a super private moment that is a small moment, away from the eyes of families and friends. This tradition is much newer, but it isn't for everyone! That is why we have put together a list of pros and cons to doing a first look on your wedding day as well as some tips for making sure it is successful!
Pros of doing a first look
- Are you nervous to look at your lovely partner for the first time in front of everyone? One of the best reasons to have a first look is so that you can get all the fears, jitters, and nerves out of the way so that by time the ceremony starts you can have a more relaxed experience. You will be much more calm and present during your ceremony.
- But, if you do a first look then it won't be the same when you see your partner walk down the isle? Yes!Most people who have a first look report that the feelings and emotions are just as strong when they seem them walk down the isle towards them.
- You will have time to fix your makeup before the ceremony! Another pro of doing a first look earlier in the day is that if your going to cry then you totally have time to freshen up before your ceremony.
- More time to take pictures and more time to spend during cocktail hour with your family! If you decide to do a first look earlier during the day then you can use that time to take photos together. The photos you would normally take during cocktail hour and use that time to be with your family.
Cons of doing a first look
- It isn't a normal wedding tradition. For some people the idea of seeing your partner on your wedding day before the ceremony is supposed to bring "bad luck". If you are one of the people that feel that way it's okay! You can always change your mind even on the day of your wedding.
- Your will have to adjust your wedding time line. If you are having your ceremony earlier in the day, a first look will mean that you will have to get ready a little bit earlier than you had originally planned. This may not be possible depending on your arrangement with your wedding venue.A first look can build up the pressure for a groom. If your partner expects you to have a big reaction when you see them then a first look may not be right for you. This could add pressure and doubt in your partners mind if you don't have the reaction that they expect.
- It may not be as private as you think it is. While your wedding photographer and videographer will try and be as discrete as possible they will still be there capturing the moment and for some that can be to akward.
FAQ about having a first look.
How does a first look work?
First looks are usually when a bride a groom find a private place somewhere on site for them to see each other without the prying eyes of everyone else. If looking at your partner is too much you can also try whats called a "first touch" where you don't actually see your partner but you get to touch them and exchange a private message for the two of you.The groom usually stands a short distance away with their back turned to the door. The bride or partner walks up behind them and taps their partner on the shoulder. They turn around and see their partner for the first time.
How long does a first look take?
A first look itself is only about 5-10 minutes but you should plan between 45-60 minutes so that you can use the rest of the time taking some basic portraits of the bride and groom.
Tips for having a successful first look
- Plan out where you want this moment to take place. Its really important that you let your photographer know that you want to do a first look so that they can plan out a good location. If your working with a local photographer near you that has been in your venue before then ask them where they think the best location would be for a shoot.
- Who should walk towards the other person? It is really important that you consider what your attire is and where you are doing the first look. If you are doing it outside where the risk of getting the wedding dress dirty is high, then you should have the groom walk towards the bride.
- Give each other a gift! Nothing will break the nerves and awkwardness faster than giving your bride a special gift during your "first look"
- Write each other a note. This is perfect not only to help break the nerves but give your photographer the chance to capture some truly beautiful moments.