A first look: Is it even worth it?


While the concept of doing a first look is not new to the wedding industry, it is still a hot topic. If you are engaged and planning your special day, I'm sure it's on your mind too : Is doing a first look actually worth it or should I wait until we get to the altar? Here, I'm going to dive into all the pros and cons of first looks and give my expert opinion on them.


Lets start off on a high note and go over the pros, shall we?

  • Many of the photos can be taken before the ceremony. This makes it super nice if you are wanting to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests rather than taking photos during it! Without the first look, your day with your partner starts when you walk down the isle.
  • It allows you and your partner to have some alone time before the wedding day gets crazy (but with me of course). I got married in 2020 and was so thankful that we did a first look because of this very thing. Once the ceremony was over, we were filled with lots of things to do, lots of people to see, and before we knew it it was over and we didn't have any 1 on 1 time together besides our first look! Doing one just allows you to spend some time together before the craziness of the days picks up.
  • First looks can calm the nerves- I swear by it. If being the center of attention is not your cup of tea, this really takes the weight off of your shoulders. Some couples even opt to doing private vows during this time.


Now, to the cons.

  • Depending on the time of your ceremony, you might need to be up and ready earlier than you originally planned. Often times, people who do first looks want to have the majority of the photos done before the ceremony which means you'll need to be ready so there is enough time for those events before the ceremony starts.
  • You will loose the opportunity of having your first look at the altar. Let me be clear, this does NOT mean that you will loose the emotion during your ceremony. I have photographed countless weddings that included first looks, and then the groom still cries as then bride walked down the aisle. However, some feel that their friends and family members would be missing out.
  • You will need some touch up time. Not only will you be getting ready earlier, your dress, hair, and flowers will be outside (potentially in the wind) long before the ceremony even starts. Your dress might even pick up some dirt if a lot of your portraits will be outdoors.


There is defiantly no right or wrong answer when it comes to doing a first look. Regardless of when you see your partner for the first time, it will be so special and magical!