Is it a Mistake to Do a First Look?
Ah, the "first look"—that heart-fluttering moment when the bride and groom (or bride and bride, or groom and groom) lock eyes for the first time in their wedding attire. It's like the grand reveal on a cooking show, but instead of soufflés, it's a Romantic Moment with a capital "R." But is including a first look really that important, or are we just piling on sentimental moments like they’re wedding cake layers?
I have a lot of discussions with couples about having a "First Look" or not. Quite frankly, this question probably ranks in the TOP3 of all-time questions! There are a lot of opinions about this and I want you to know that including a First Look or not is not about making a mistake, it's all about managing your time!
Picture this: you’ve been waiting for this day for months, possibly years, and you're standing at the altar as your beloved approaches. The anticipation builds! But hold on—what if they trip over their own feet while approaching? Spoiler alert: this could either be a great story or a wedding disaster. A first look lets you enjoy that initial gasp without the pressure of onlookers and potential shoe malfunctions.
Admit it; you want those likes! The first look provides that picturesque moment to capture, complete with genuine emotion and a touch of mascara running down the cheek (the bride) or misty-eyed charm (the groom).
But most of all, it gives you the opportunity to not miss out on your cocktail hour. If you take most of your photos before the ceremony, you can just go about enjoying all that time with your friends and family and you actually get to taste those scrumptious appetizers and signature cocktails you selected!
The Case Against the First Look
Tradition, Baby!: For many, the suspense and drama of seeing each other at the altar is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s the grand unveiling, like when you finally see the cake after pretending to be interested in the floral arrangements for months. If you’re feeling extra dramatic, you might just want to hold out!
So, should you include a first look? It really depends on your personal style and what kind of wedding day you envision. Whether you want to bask in the glow of a pre-ceremony reveal or keep the excitement for the altar, make sure to enjoy the moment! After all, when you look back on your big day, it won’t be about how you did it, but rather the laughter, love, and maybe a little chaos that made it uniquely yours! So choose whatever feels right—just keep your sense of humor handy; you’ll need it as you navigate this magical, sometimes absurd, wedding adventure!