Should You Have a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
As a wedding photographer based in Raleigh NC, I often get asked by my couples whether they should have a first look on their wedding day. For those who are not familiar with the term, a first look is a private moment between the soon to be newly-weds before the ceremony, where they see each other for the first time.
There are pros and cons to having a first look, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. In this article, we’ll go over the reasons why you might want to consider having a first look and why you might want to skip it
It Calms Your Nerves
Wedding days can be stressful, and the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time can add to your stress. Having a first look and having that private moment to see your person, can help calm your nerves and ease any anxiety you may be feeling, and also sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day.
It Gives You More Time Together
It can be tough to find a moment alone with your spouse, with how busy the day is. Having a first look allows y’all to spend more time together before the ceremony and can help you feel more connected throughout the day. Additionally, Raleigh's temperamental weather can make it hard to capture “The Shot”. A first look would give y’all a better chance of getting your shots done quickly and efficiently before any potential rain or thunderstorms set in.
It Allows for More Photos
As a Raleigh wedding photographer, I love when couples have a first look because it allows us to take more photos before the ceremony. This means that you will have more photos to choose from and more time to enjoy your friends and family at the reception. With the city's beautiful parks and gardens, historic landmarks, and urban backdrops, there are numerous opportunities for stunning couples’ portraits. Raleigh and the surrounding area has some of the best wedding venues around, and a first look could allow couples to take advantage of these locations for their photos.
Reasons to Skip the First Look
It's Tradition
For some couples, the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony goes against tradition. If you value tradition and want to stick to the traditional timeline. Skipping the first look can also allow y’all to keep with this tradition in a way that feels meaningful and special.
It's More Emotional
For some of my couples, the emotion of seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle is what they look forward to the most. If you want to experience that raw emotion, then ditch the first look.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, whether to have a first look is a personal choice that should be made based on the couple's preferences and priorities. If the first look isn't a priority for you, there's no reason to include it in your wedding day.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision to have a first look or not is entirely up to you and your partner. It's important to consider the pros and cons and think about what is most important to you as a couple. By considering your preferences, timeline, and traditions, you can make the best choice for your wedding day and create a truly special and memorable experience. As your wedding photographer, I’ll be happy to work with you to create a timeline that works best for you and your vision for your special day.