Wedding First Look vs Traditional Aisle Reveal: Which is Right for You?
Whether or not to do a wedding first look is one of the decisions you’ll need to make when planning your wedding day. You might really love the idea of having a private, intimate moment together before the ceremony, or you might prefer the more traditional reveal during the actual ceremony. One option is not better than the other, however if you’re trying to make this decision, you’ll find some helpful tips and things to consider in this article.
What Is a Wedding First Look Anyway?
A wedding first look is a private moment between you and your partner before the ceremony, captured by your photographer (hopefully yours truly 😉). It’s an emotional and intimate experience that allows you to see each other for the first time privately, exchange personal vows (if desired), and take some beautiful portraits before the ceremony begins. If this is the first time you’re learning about a wedding first look, this might seem completely unorthodox! But before shunning the idea, continue reading to understand some of the potential benefits of doing one.
Pros of a Wedding First Look
Without all of your guests watching, you and your fiancé can share a special, private moment as you see other for the first time on wedding day. You’ll be free to react naturally and authentically, without the worry of having a large audience. Whether you share happy tears, nervous laughs, or a long and emotional embrace, the first look allows you to remain completely in the moment without the distraction of knowing you’re on display in front of all of your guests.
✅ Enjoy a Private, Intimate Moment Together
✅ A Chance to Exchange Private Vows
If you like the idea of exchanging personal vows but get nervous in front of crowds, a first look could be the perfect solution. You can speak to your partner openly and from the heart without the pressure of public speaking. And you can still exchange your vows again during the ceremony, in front of friends and family — but this time having had a nice practice run between just the two of you.
✅ Reduces Wedding Day Jitters
Many couples feel more relaxed and at ease having the opportunity to see each other before the ceremony. If you tend to feel anxious being the center of attention, a first look can help calm nerves and ease jitters before walking down the aisle. Imagine a long, comforting embrace from your fiancé before the ceremony to help you relax…
✅ More Time for Photos (and Potentially Better Lighting)
A first look allows you to do your couples portraits, wedding party photos, and even some family photos before the ceremony, after you’ve seen one another. This gives you:
- More variety in your wedding photos
- The ability to take photos with better natural light, especially if your ceremony is mid-afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky (any opportunity you have to do photos outside of mid-day/high noon sun will be a plus)
- More flexibility in case of unexpected delays (because you will have some extra time built into your timeline as a cushion, in case the schedule gets slightly off track)
✅ Get to the Reception Faster (a Major Plus!)
When you do a first look, you’ll be able to do the majority of your family and wedding party photos before the ceremony — allowing you to get to cocktail hour or your reception a whole lot faster. Most couples and guests don’t necessarily enjoy standing around waiting for the formal photos to be taken, when they know other guests are already enjoying themselves over at the cocktail party (which is definitely understandable!). Instead of spending a significant amount of time taking post-ceremony group portraits, you’ll be able to get most of them done ahead of time, giving you more time to celebrate with your guests!
✅ Your Hair & Makeup Will Be Fresh
Your wedding photos will capture you and your wedding party when you’re looking your absolute best — with fresh hair and makeup, fresh smiles, and before you get exposed to the elements during the ceremony (such as the hot sun and blowing wind).
Cons of a Wedding First Look
❌ Breaks the Traditional Aisle Reveal
Some couples prefer to stick with tradition and wait until the ceremony for the big reveal. If you’ve always dreamt of seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle, a first look definitely won’t be the right option for you.
❌ You’ll Need to Start Your Day Earlier
If you’re a night owl like me, the thought of getting up early probably sparks fear of getting the whole day off to a bad start!! But all joking aside — do keep in mind that a first look requires an earlier start time for hair, makeup, and getting dressed. So if you’re not a morning person (hooray for sleeping in!!), a first look could have the potential to make your wedding day feel rushed.
❌ Less Time for Touch-Ups Before the Ceremony
Depending on your wedding day timeline, your first look might happen several hours before the ceremony. This means you may need a hair and makeup touch-up before the ceremony to get everything looking perfect again. Will your hair stylist and makeup artist be available later in the day? Or do you feel confident doing touch ups on your own?
❌ Some Worry It Detracts from the Ceremony Emotions
A valid concern is that seeing one another before the ceremony might lessen the emotional impact of the aisle moment. However, many couples find that both moments are especially impactful, just in different ways. Remember that the majority of your guests will still be seeing you for the first time as you walk down the aisle, so there will still always be an element of surprise and excitement during the ceremony.
❌ Logistics Need to Be Carefully Planned
If you’re planning a first look, special measures will need to be taken beforehand to avoid accidental run-ins. Your photographer, and planner if you have one, will be extremely helpful in coordinating a smooth first look (I also recommend designating a family member or friend to help out). This can add another small layer of planning to your wedding day, but in general things tend to run smoothly. 😊
Wedding First Look vs. Traditional Aisle Reveal: Which Is Right for You?
Still unsure if a wedding first look is right for you? Here’s a simple summary to help you decide:
Choose a First Look if:
✅ You want more time for portraits and to get to your reception faster
✅ You want a private moment together before the ceremony
✅ You’d like to exchange personal vows in a private, intimate setting
✅ You want to ease pre-ceremony jitters
Stick to a Traditional Aisle Reveal if:
💍 You love the traditional experience of seeing each other at the ceremony
💍 You don’t mind spending extra time taking formal group portraits after the ceremony
💍 You want to sleep in a little later on your wedding day 💤
Final Thoughts
Rest assured, there is no right or wrong choice here. Your photographer will be more than willing to support you and run with whatever option you choose — it all comes down to what feels best for you as a couple. Whether you choose a first look or a traditional aisle reveal, your wedding day will be nothing short of amazing.
If you're working with a wedding photographer, talk to them about your vision. You can ask for their input and insight from prior experience at weddings both with and without a first look. A professional photographer will help you craft a timeline that ensures beautiful, emotive, and stress-free photos — regardless of which option you choose.
Not at all! Many couples feel overwhelmed with emotion when they see each other at the ceremony — even after a first look. The energy, music, and presence of loved ones create a completely different experience that is still incredibly impactful.
1. Will a first look ruin the aisle moment?
It depends on your wedding day timeline, but most first looks happen 1.5 to 2 hours before the ceremony to allow time for wedding party and family portraits afterward (and before the ceremony).
2. What time should we schedule the first look?
Your photographer can help you choose a beautiful, private location at your venue with great lighting. Some popular spots might be at the lakeshore, in the courtyard, by a stand of trees, or simply a quiet, secluded area at your venue. But if you have a specific spot in mind, be sure to tell your photographer so they can capture the best angles and prepare for this special moment.
3. Where should we do the first look?
Absolutely! Some couples plan to do a first look with mom or dad, a child, or even their entire bridal or groom’s party. I’ve even seen a first look with a pet!! 🐾
4. Can a first look Happen with someone Else?
If you’re unsure, talk to your photographer and wedding planner or venue coordinator. They can talk you through some of the key aspects, taking into consideration your values and specific venue, and can probably help you come to a decision one way or another. They’ll also help you create a timeline that fits your vision while helping to ensure a smooth and stress-free day.
