First Look or No First Look? Which Is Right for You?
The first look is one of those wedding traditions that has become much more common over the last few years.
But should you do one?
Honestly, there isn't a right answer.
It depends on what you want your wedding day to feel like.
Do a first look if you want to save time
One of the biggest practical advantages of a first look is that it allows you to get some photographs done before the ceremony.
You can see each other, take a few couple photographs and potentially photograph the bridal party too.
Then once the ceremony is over, you aren't disappearing for an hour while your guests wait for you.
You can get straight into celebrating.
For couples who don't want to spend a big chunk of their cocktail hour taking photographs, this can be a really good option.
Do a first look if tradition isn't particularly important to you
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to see your partner before the ceremony.
And if you're not particularly attached to the idea of keeping the whole day traditional, there's another option:
Get ready together.
If it were us, and the traditional element wasn't important, we'd probably rather have that time together than spend the morning separately simply because that's what weddings traditionally do.
Don't do a first look if you want to keep things traditional
And equally, if the idea of walking down the aisle and seeing your partner for the first time is important to you, don't let anyone talk you out of it.
There is something lovely about keeping that part of the day exactly as you imagined it.
You can always do your bridal party photographs beforehand and save the couple photographs for after the ceremony.
There isn't a photography rule here
Your wedding day doesn't have to follow a particular formula because that's what Pinterest says you should do.
A first look can save time.
Not doing one can preserve a traditional moment.
Getting ready together can make the morning feel more relaxed.
Choose the version that actually feels like you.