To First Look or Not to First Look

Photos by Shalyn O’Neal Photography

The dreaded question - will you and your fiance see each other before the ceremony? It is a big decision for sure and one that definitely impacts the timeline of the day. First Look Photos have become a very popular option to make the most of your time with your photographer, however it is not an option everyone chooses (and that is okay!) We see about half of our couples do the First Look Photos, the other half choose the more traditional route of waiting to see each other until the bride walks down the path and into the chapel. Here are some pros and cons we have seen of doing the First Look Photos: 

Pro - You can make the most of your time with your photographer. 

By taking the First Look Photos, you are often able to get most of your photos (at least of your bridal party) done before the ceremony starts! This also means you get to start eating food faster - two pros in one! 

Con - Less traditional. 

In olden days, it was considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. 

Pro - It takes the pressure off the ceremony. 

There are so many emotions that go along with the wedding ceremony, regardless of whether or not you’ve already seen each other before the ceremony. Having a few moments with each other prior to the actual ceremony takes the edge off of the nervousness & stress of not being able to see each other until you’re in front of 50-150 family & friends. 

Con - Not having as much of that “magic” moment 

When a bride & groom wait to see each other until the bride walks down that beautiful lit path and finally emerges around the bushes, it is definitely a magical moment, especially if the song is just right. Some of the chills may be a little bit lost if they have already seen each other prior to the ceremony, but it is still always beautiful. 

Pro - You get to enjoy more of your wedding day together. 

Think about it - oftentimes, ceremonies do not start until 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon…that means you only get 5 or 6 hours with your spouse on your wedding day. I know I was not going to go the whole day without seeing my hubby whenever we got married. We were first look fans ALL THE WAY. 

Overall, my personal opinion is that first looks are the way to go. They allow for so much more relaxation throughout the day whether that be not stressing about the magic moment, getting to eat food faster (big one for me), or being able to take more time on photos. That being said, we have about half of our couples not do a first look and their weddings turn out just as beautifully! Ultimately it is your wedding day - do what makes you happy!