First Look or No First Look? A Guide for Couples Planning a Luxury Wedding

Planning a wedding comes with a ton of decisions—and let’s be real, some of them are way more fun than others! One choice that’s both exciting and a little nerve-wracking is whether or not to do a first look. If you’re not familiar, a first look is when you and your partner see each other before the ceremony, and it’s become a super popular option in wedding planning these days. But is it right for you? Let’s chat about the pros and cons to help you decide.

What Is A First Look?

A first look is exactly what it sounds like: a special, private moment where you and your partner get to see each other all dolled up before the ceremony. Usually, your photographer and videographer are there to capture the magic—and trust me, those photos are always incredible. It’s such a sweet way to start your wedding day. I’ve also found that a lot of couples feel that their first look is the perfect time to exchange their vows. So, if you’d prefer to not say your original vows during your ceremony, consider taking the time to exchange them privately after your first look. Again, this also makes for some amazing photos full of emotion.

Why You May Love a First Look

A private moment for just the two of you:

Let’s face it, wedding days can be a bit… chaotic. A first look gives you a chance to pause, breathe, and just be together before all the craziness starts. It’s a great way to calm any pre-ceremony jitters and soak up the moment.

Smooth out your timeline:

Doing a first look can make your whole wedding day timeline so much smoother. Following your first look, you would take your couples portraits. Then jump into wedding party photos, and end with family photos – ALL before the ceremony! By taking a majority of your photos before the ceremony, you’ll have more time to hang out with your guests during cocktail hour instead of rushing off for photos. It’s all about maximizing your time and enjoying every second.

More photo opportunities:

If you’re investing in luxury photography (and let’s be honest, who isn’t these days?), a first look is a dream for both you and your photographer. It gives your photographer extra time to capture gorgeous, relaxed shots without the pressure of a tight schedule. It also allows your photographer to spread out your portraits throughout the day, into short (10-15 min) portions. So you’ll be able to take a few photos here and there throughout the day, instead of spending a big chunk of time doing them all at once. Remember, your wedding day is NOT a photoshoot, and it shouldn’t feel like one either! Spreading out the photos will also give you more variety in your portraits.

Say goodbye to pre ceremony nerves:

If the thought of walking down the aisle with all eyes on you makes your stomach flip, a first look can help. Seeing your partner beforehand can make you both feel more grounded and ready for the ceremony.

Why You May Want to Skip a First Look

Keeping it traditional:

There’s something so magical about seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle. If you’re all about tradition, skipping the first look might be the way to go.

Sticking to a packed timeline:

Luxury weddings can have a lot of moving parts—like separate locations for the ceremony, photos, and reception with travel in-between. If your schedule is jam-packed, a first look might not fit without feeling rushed.

Saving the surprise:

For some couples, nothing beats the excitement and emotion of that big reveal during the ceremony. If you want to keep the suspense alive, skipping the first look is a great way to do it. After all, your wedding day should be exactly what you want!

How to Decide If a First Look is Right For You

1. Think about what matters most to you on your wedding day. Is it tradition, extra time together, lovely portraits, or staying relaxed?
2. Always ask your photographer for their advice. We’ve seen it all and can give you insight into what works best for your timeline and photos. Personally, I am always pro first look because there are so many benefits. But, above all, I am pro whichever choice is best for you! As a professional, I can make anything work!
3. Work with your planner/day of coordinator. Your wedding planner is a pro at making the day flow perfectly, and often are the first to create a timeline. They’ll help you figure out how a first look fits into the schedule.

My Take as a Photographer

At the end of the day, whether you do a first look or not, the most important thing is that your wedding feels like you. A first look can be a beautiful, private moment to share with your partner, but it’s totally okay if you’d rather stick with tradition. As I mentioned, there are a lot of benefits of the first look, with your timeline being the most affected. But, benefits aside, do what works best for you as a couple! Either way, your day is going to be full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

When you inquire with me about your wedding day, which you can do HERE, we will discuss your preferences on first looks during your consult call. If you’re unsure, we can chat about what it would look like for your wedding day, the pros and cons, and how to decide. When it comes time to create your timeline, whether or not you’re doing a first look will play a major role in how your day is planned out.

Happy wedding planning, and remember—this day is about celebrating your love story. Make it yours!

For more tips and ideas for planning the luxury wedding of your dreams, stick around. I’ve got you covered!

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