Should You Do a First Look? A Wedding Planner's Guide to Pros, Cons, and Creative Alternatives

First Look vs. Traditional Reveal: Making the Right Choice for Your Wedding Day

The decision to do a first look on your wedding day is deeply personal and can significantly impact your celebration's flow. As a NH wedding planner with years of experience creating unforgettable moments for couples, I've seen firsthand how this intimate pre-ceremony reveal can transform the entire wedding day experience. Whether you're considering a first look or staying traditional, let's explore all your options to help you make the best choice for your special day.

Image courtesy of Patrick McNamara Photography

What Is a First Look?

A first look is a private, planned moment before your ceremony where you and your partner see each other for the first time on your wedding day. Your photographer captures this emotional encounter, creating lasting memories of this intimate experience. While it breaks from tradition, many modern couples are choosing this option for both practical and personal reasons.

The Pros of Having a First Look

More Quality Time Together

Your wedding day passes in the blink of an eye. A first look gives you precious private moments together before the whirlwind begins. As a wedding planner, I've noticed that couples who opt for a first look often feel more relaxed and present throughout their celebration.

Optimal Photography Timeline

Your photographer can capture fresh, emotional moments when you're both looking your absolute best. Plus, completing most formal photos before the ceremony means more time to enjoy your cocktail hour with guests.

Calmer Nerves

Meeting privately helps ease wedding-day jitters. Many couples report feeling more relaxed during the ceremony after having their first look, allowing them to fully embrace the moment.

Flexible Timeline Options

As your NH wedding planner, I can create a more efficient schedule when we include a first look. This means more time for photos, less rushing between events, and a smoother overall flow.

Private Emotional Moment

You can react naturally without hundreds of eyes watching. Share personal vows, exchange gifts, or simply take in the moment together without pressure.

The Cons of a First Look

Breaking with Tradition

Some couples feel strongly about maintaining the traditional aisle reveal. If you've always dreamed of that classic moment, a first look might not be right for you.

Earlier Wedding Day Start

First looks require everyone to be ready earlier, which means an earlier hair and makeup schedule.

Weather Considerations

Outdoor first looks need a backup plan in case of inclement weather, which your wedding planner can help coordinate.

Multiple Special Moments

Some couples worry that doing a first look might diminish the impact of the ceremony entrance. However, most report feeling equally emotional at both moments.

Image courtesy of Brightly & Free Photography

Creative Alternatives to Traditional First Looks

First Touch

Stand on opposite sides of a door or corner, holding hands without seeing each other. Your photographer can capture the emotion while maintaining the ceremony surprise.

First Letter Reading

Exchange heartfelt letters to read separately before the ceremony, with your photographer documenting your reactions.

First Look with Parents

Share this special moment with your parents instead of your partner, creating equally meaningful photos and memories.

Blindfolded First Look

Meet while one partner is blindfolded, allowing you to embrace and talk without seeing each other fully.

Tips for Planning Your First Look

Choose the Right Location

Work with your wedding planner, whether its us or if your located in the Tennessee - Virginia area, our colleague at Happily Everitt After Services can help and photographer to select a private, well-lit spot that's meaningful to you both. It maybe in one of the many options our colleagues at Willow Creek has to offer.

Allow Enough Time

Work with your wedding planner and photographer to schedule at least 15-30 minutes for the first look and immediate portraits afterward.

Consider the Lighting & Decor

Your photographer will help choose the best time of day for optimal lighting and beautiful photos. We want to make sure to have your bouquet for these photos too! Our IL friends at Burlap and Lace Events & Florals can help create just the right one or provide some stunning event decor that adds to that magical moment. Want to add something completely different? Think about adding a pre-ceremony photo booth! Our friends at Amethyst Star Venture has previously created a custom overlay saying “We Saw Forever Today” in one of their mirrored photo booths for their couples.

Plan for Privacy

Limit the number of people present to maintain the intimacy of the moment.

Making Your Decision

Consider these factors when deciding about a first look:

• Your wedding day timeline

• Photography priorities

• Personal preferences about tradition

• Ceremony time and lighting

• Guest count and reception plans

Then ASK yourselves:

• Are we more emotional together privately or in front of loved ones?

• Do we want more portrait time before the ceremony?

• Is sticking to tradition important to one or both of us?

• Would seeing each other beforehand calm our nerves?

• Talk through these questions together—and ask your photographer or planner to help

• Visualize what the timeline would look like for both options and/or discuss this with your wedding planner and photographer.

Conclusion

Choosing whether or not to do a first look is a deeply personal decision. There’s no

wrong answer—only what feels most meaningful to the two of you. Whether you opt for a private

reveal, a dramatic aisle moment, or something in between, the magic is in the

connection, not the timeline.

So trust your instincts, communicate with your partner, and design a moment that

makes your wedding day feel truly yours.

Image courtesy of Spring Smith Studios