First look wedding day photo
Wedding day first look photo pro #1

Pros and Cons of Having a first look on your wedding day.

As a photographer, I understand that deciding to have a first look on your wedding day is personal. Some couples swear by it, while others prefer to see each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle.

In this guide, I will outline some pros and cons of having a first look on your wedding day to help you make an informed decision.

Wedding couple First look photo at the Riverview in Ct

Pro 1

More time for photos.

One of the most significant advantages of having a first look is that it provides you and your photographer more time to take portraits before the ceremony. This means you will have more opportunities to capture intimate moments without feeling rushed or stressed.

Pro 2

Intimate Moment:

Intimate Moment: A first look is an intimate moment shared between you and your partner. It allows you to take a few minutes to focus on each other before the hustle and bustle of the wedding day. It can be a special moment that you will cherish forever.

Wedding couple first look on the wedding day at the Publick house in Sturbridge
Bride and Groom first look at the Springfield CC

Pro 3

Relieves Nerves:

For some couples, anticipating seeing each other for the first time can be nerve-wracking. A first look can help relieve some of those nerves, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rest of your day.

Pro 4

Lighting Conditions:

Depending on the time of day and the location of your ceremony and reception, the lighting conditions may be better for photos during a first look. This can result in more flattering and beautiful images.

We had the most incredible experience working with Greg Moss Photography:

You absolutely have to hire Greg Moss Photography!! Greg and his team are incredibly talented, immediately make you feel comfortable, and are amazing to work with. Greg has a very calming, personable demeanor and his work is STUNNING.

One of the greatest parts of our wedding was the same-day slideshow that Greg created and that was presented to our guests during the reception – it was a complete surprise for our guests and everyone LOVED it!!

Bride and groom wedding day portrait inside red covered bridge at Stratton Mt.
First look with confetti cannon.

Con 1

Tradition:

For some couples, the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony is very important. If you value tradition and want to keep with the age-old wedding-day superstition, then a first look may not be for you.

Con 2

Timing:

A first look can add an additional item to your already busy wedding day timeline. This can cause delays and result in less time for other important activities, such as getting ready or spending time with family and friends.

Groom reading letter to bride during first look
wedding couple first look

Tip 7

Allow time for photos

Plan to spend at least an hour and half getting ready so your photographer has plenty of time to capture all the special moments. When your hair and makeup is freshly completed and you slipped on your wedding dress is the perfect time for some wedding day portraits. So make sure to leave a little time after you put on your dress and when you need to leave for the ceremony.

Consider a first-look session with your groom, which can add a personal and intimate touch to your photos. There are some pros and cons to this but don’t worry I will be posting a link to them here soon.

Conclusions:

As you can see, there are more reasons for a first look than not to have one 🤣 4-3.

More seriously, a first look is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong decision. Consider the pros and cons carefully before making your decision. If you decide to have a first look, communicate your wishes with your photographer and wedding planner to ensure that the day runs smoothly.

Wedding day first look photo