If you’re wondering whether a First Look is right for you, stop right here.

That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a first look prior to the ceremony.

First looks – a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. Almost all of my couples have chosen to do a first look, and it ends up being their favorite moment of the entire day (and mine)!

While I consider myself someone who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 5 reasons to consider a First Look:

 

1. A First Look allows you a moment to slow down and take it all in

Once the ceremony begins, your wedding day will go by so quickly. The first look is an opportunity to see each other for the first time in private so that you can express how you feel about each other in that moment. You can tell her how stunning she looks in her dress, and you can tell him how much you love him. Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s so much to do and so many people to see. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.

 

2. A First Look gets the nerves out of the way

Not seeing each other until you’re in front of a crowd full of people can be nerve-racking at the very least. The first look gives you a chance to get those nerves out of the way in private. Many times, as I’m standing in front of the groom while he waits for his bride to tap him on the shoulder, he looks at me and says “I am so glad we’re doing this now!”. And the best part is – it doesn’t take anything away from that moment you see each other from across the aisle. If anything, it only gives you two of those moments rather than just one.

 

3. A First Look allows more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour

When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour. A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures, bride and groom portraits, and even some family portraits. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel much less rushed.

 

4. It allows the bride time to freshen up after crying

This one is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.

 

5. It allows you to avoid possible bad weather

If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.

 

First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be so special!