Each year first looks are becoming more and more common amongst couples. But there are still some who prefer that tradition of not seeing their man before they walk down the aisle. You really can’t go wrong with one or another, but I wanted to share some pros and cons of doing a first look to help make your decision a little easier!

PROS:

Timing and more photos. One of the biggest perks about doing a first look is that you can get all your portraits and bridal party portraits done before your ceremony. This allows you to hang out at your Cocktail Hour and see your guests right after you get married without having to sneak away for photos. Or you can get more photos! One of the reasons I love doing first looks with my couples is because I get to do two bridal sessions. Before the Ceremony I get to capture your first look and bride and groom photos and then after the ceremony I get to capture husband and wife photos. This allows you to have more photos and get two different looks since each others different things. The bride and groom portraits show your excitement and nervousness of getting to marry your best friend and your husband and wife portraits show a more intimate side as this is the first time you are together being husband and wife. Husband and wife portraits also happen around sunset, which allows for some gorgeous photos!

It becomes a moment just between you and your future spouse.  And well me haha… But in all seriousness, doing a first look is something for just you two. When you stand up and give your vows it is front of all your friends and family. This allows you two to just have a special moment between you both that no one else gets to witness.

You can get some jitters out of the way before ceremony. Not seeing your future wife or husband all day can be nerve racking. You are going to be experiencing so many emotions during the day and by doing a first look it gives you a second to see your best friend, take a breath, and be ready to do the dam thing!

CONS:

There is no surprise. Your soon to be spouse will see you before that ceremony and you MAY not get that first look emotion you are wanting. Now that being said I have done first looks and have still had the groom tear up when he saw his bride walk down towards him. There is a chance that you will loose that special moment at the alter, but if you do a first look you can at least have a special moment between the two of you before the ceremony.

You have to get up earlier. Since the first look happens before the ceremony you and your bridal party will have to get ready earlier, which means you have to get up earlier. Usually it is just an hour so it isn’t the end of the world, but if you are someone who likes to sleep in you might want to think about your timeline and what you are looking for.

If you are conflicted there is a compromise. If you like the idea of doing a first look in order to have a special moment between you two, but really want your groom to see you for the first time down the aisle there are a few things you can do. One of you can be blindfolded (usually the groom), or you can touch hands back to back or between a doorway.

I hope this helped make your decision a little easier. Of course if you have more questions please don’t hesitate to reach out! I would love to share some examples of both scenarios with you!