Should You Do a First Look or Wait Until You Walk Down the Aisle?
Photography credit: David Gass Photography
Picture this: you’re getting ready to walk down the aisle. You have butterflies in your stomach. You know the love of your life is standing at the end. They have just as many butterflies, anxiously waiting to see you on the wedding day for the first time. You turn the corner. Your eyes meet. It’s a magical moment.
But wait.
Picture this: you’re putting the final touches on your wedding outfit. Your hair is done. Your makeup is done. All you want is to see the love of your life. You make your way to a private courtyard where they’re standing, waiting for that gentle tap on their shoulder. They turn around. Your eyes meet. It’s a magical moment.
Whether you do a first look or not, the moment you see your future spouse on the day of your wedding will be magical. So, how do you decide? Should you do a first look before the ceremony or wait until you walk down the aisle? Keep reading for our best tips for making the decision.
Do Most People Do a First Look?
The classic wedding ritual in which the groom wouldn't see the bride until she walks down the aisle actually dates back to the days of arranged marriage. Its origin is strongly rooted in customs designed to prevent either partner from escaping what was most likely an obligation to family members. To ensure they wouldn't take off should they get cold feet, families would hide their soon-to-be betrothed from each other until it was time for them to walk down the aisle.
Nowadays–at least in Western culture–couples typically know who they’re marrying. However, 53% still opt to wait to experience the first look when walking down the aisle, while 44% of couples ditch this wedding tradition and see each other before the ceremony. So, should you do a first look or not? Let’s dive into some pros and cons to help you decide.
Photography credit: David Gass Photography
First Look or Not? Pros and Cons
When deciding whether to do a first look or not, you and your partner should both agree on the tradition. Every couple is different, so it's key to consider the pros and cons of each option for your special day.
First Look Before the Ceremony: Pros & Cons
Pros: You get lots of pictures out of the way. Because you’ve already seen each other, you can take wedding party and family photos before the ceremony and enjoy your cocktail hour and reception with your guests. It can also ease some of the butterflies and pre-ceremony nerves.
Cons: You’ll already have seen each other, so the moment you lock eyes while walking down the aisle might not feel as magical. But I promise you that it will still be super special.
First Look Down the Aisle: Pros & Cons
Pros: If you wait all day to see your future spouse, the moment you walk down the aisle will be unforgettable. Your photographer can capture the look on your partner’s face when they see you all done up, which makes for amazing photos.
Cons: If you wait to see each other, you’ll have to take all your wedding photos after the ceremony, before the reception. You won’t get to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests, but that’s worth it for couples that have been dreaming of a first look down the aisle.
Photography credit: David Gass Photography
5 First Look Ideas and Alternatives to a Pre-Ceremony Look
If you decide to do a first look before the ceremony, here are some first look ideas to ensure the moment is magical, memorable, and everything you’ve dreamed of. We’ve also included some alternative first look ideas if you want to save the big reveal for the aisle.
1. For a First Look: Choose a Beautiful Place
One of the best parts of a first look before the ceremony is the photos. It's best to pick a space that is special for both of you and where you won't be interrupted. You can find a spot that has sentimental significance or someplace outdoors with a beautiful view.
2. For a First Look: Consider Involving Your Loved Ones
30% of couples who do a first look do a private reveal, just the two of them. However, 12% share the moment with an intimate group of people, and 2% involve a large group. How you do your first look is up to you. You can make it a special moment between you and your partner or include friends and family.
3. For Waiting: Do a First Look with Someone Else
If you wait to save the first look for the aisle, you can do a pre-ceremony first look with someone else. Whether your mom, dad, grandparents or other significant friend or family member, creating a first look is a way to honor your relationship with someone special in your life.
4. For Waiting: Do a “First Touch”
If you don’t want to see each other, but you do want to calm your nerves before the ceremony, you can do a “first touch.” Simply find a corner of a building or stand on either side of a doorway and hold hands. You can choose to do this silently or share a few words before getting ready for the ceremony.
5. For Waiting: Read Letters to Each Other
But stay out of sight! Whether you stand back-to-back or have a barrier between you, be close enough to hear each other’s heartfelt words without seeing each other. Ask your photographer to capture photos of this moment too. It can be sweet to look back and see your partner’s face when hearing the words you’ve written to them.
Photography credit: David Gass Photography
First Look or Not, We’ll Help You Plan the Colorado Wedding of Your Dreams
Whether you want to do a first look before the ceremony or keep yourselves apart until the aisle, we would love to help you plan and perfectly execute every detail of your day. Our Colorado wedding planning services include partial and full-service wedding planning for large celebrations, micro weddings, and intimate elopements. Let’s chat today about how we can help you bring your wedding vision to life in Colorado.