Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day? Let’s Talk About It

Ahhh, the age-old question I get from nearly every couple: “Should we do a first look?”

If you’re sitting there wondering whether to see each other before the aisle moment or stick with tradition, don’t worry - you’re not alone. There are some seriously good reasons to do one, and a few totally valid reasons not to. So let’s break it down in a way that’s easy.

The Pros of Doing a First Look

1. More time with your love

Your wedding day will fly by (seriously, it’s like you blink and suddenly it’s midnight). A first look means you get more time with your partner - not less. You get to spend most of the day together instead of waiting until 3pm to finally hug them, after you're married.

2. Calm those pre-ceremony jitters

If you’re the type who gets nervous about everyone’s eyes on you, seeing your person beforehand can take the edge off. Instead of feeling like you’re about to walk into a stadium concert, you get to have a quiet, private moment together first.

3. Photos done = party time

Here’s the practical photographer side of me: a first look gives us the chance to knock out your portraits (and often your wedding party and family photos too) before the ceremony. Which means… after you tie the knot, you can actually enjoy cocktail hour with your guests instead of being whisked away for a 30-60 minute photo session. Yes, more time for champagne and canapés!

4. All the feels, in private

The tears, the big hugs, the goofy grins - a first look lets you feel it all without hundreds of people watching. For some couples, that privacy makes the moment even more meaningful.

The Cons of a First Look

1. Breaking tradition

If you’ve always dreamed of that aisle moment being the very first time your partner sees you, then a first look might not feel right. There’s something magical about that build-up - the music, the gasps, the whole movie moment. Don't get me wrong, even if you do decide to do a first look, 90% of groom's will still cry during that aisle moment even though they saw you 30 minutes ago.

2. An earlier wake-up call

A first look means shifting your timeline forward. Translation: hair and makeup probably need to start earlier, which can feel like a lot if you’re not a morning person, or if you have a large bridal party.

3. Different vibes

Some couples love the suspense of waiting until the ceremony. The big reveal in front of family and friends is what they’ve always pictured, and if that’s you - lean into it!

So… What’s the Answer?

Here’s the thing: there’s no right or wrong. A first look isn’t better or worse than waiting for the aisle - it just creates a different experience.

If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, guest-focused day with more time together and less rushing, a first look might be your new best friend. But if you can’t shake the vision of locking eyes at the end of the aisle for the first time? Then trust that instinct and go with tradition.

At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you. Whatever you choose, it’ll be perfect - because it’s your love story, and that’s what really matters.