Pros and Cons of a First Look: Is It Right for Your Wedding?

When planning your wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to have a “first look,” a private moment before the ceremony where you and your partner see each other for the first time. Some couples enjoy cherishing this meaningful moment in private, away from the eyes of guests. Other couples prefer to go the more traditional route and experience the raw emotion of that “walking down the aisle” reveal. Which plan is right for your big day? It may impact more than you think!

The decision to do or not do a first look can significantly shape your wedding experience, impacting everything from your wedding day timeline to the emotions captured in your photos. As a Lafayette wedding photographer, I’ve seen couples plan beautiful first looks, authentic aisle moment reveals, and all sorts of unique ideas in between. Keep reading for the pros and cons of a first look, along with tips and tricks from my own experience and alternative ideas for those who want to try something different.

Pros of a First Look on Your Wedding Day 

An Intimate Moment Just for the Two of You

A first look offers a rare opportunity for couples to share an intimate, emotional moment together before the whirlwind of the wedding day truly begins. This private time allows you to connect with your partner and express your feelings in a private setting away from the eyes of family and friends. This can be incredibly meaningful, providing a quiet space to focus solely on each other without the pressure of an audience. For many, this intimate pause becomes one of the most cherished moments of the day, creating a moment that is just for the two of you.

Calms Pre-Ceremony Nerves & Anxiety

A wedding day can be filled with nerves, especially leading up to the ceremony. For many couples, looking forward to seeing each other for the first time at the aisle creates a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and even anxiety. A first look can help ease some of those pre-ceremony jitters by allowing you to see each other and share a moment of calm before the formalities begin. Seeing your partner and feeling their reassuring presence can make the rest of your day feel more relaxed and enjoyable, knowing you’ve already shared this special moment together.

Allows for More Emotion-Filled Candid Photos

As a photographer, I can’t emphasize enough how magical first look photos can be. This moment often results in some of the most emotional, candid images of the day. The tears, laughter, and pure joy captured during a first look are beautiful memories you’ll cherish forever. These photos can serve as a true reflection of your love and the authentic emotions you felt in that moment. Plus, it gives us more time to create a variety of stunning portraits without the time constraints typically associated with post-ceremony photo sessions.

Creates More Time for Wedding Portraits 

Choosing a first look can streamline your wedding day timeline, freeing up more time for portraits of you as a couple, as well as family and bridal party photos. Instead of trying to rush through portraits during the small window between the ceremony and the reception, you’ll have more time to enjoy your cocktail hour and reception with your guests without feeling stressed about fitting everything in. When you take wedding portraits early in the day, you’ll build more flexibility and open space into your schedule once the party starts.

Cons of a Wedding Day First Look

Breaks with Traditional Wedding Customs

For couples who cherish the traditional elements of a wedding, the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony might feel out of place. Seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle can be a cherished moment for both the couple and their families. Many guests particularly love watching the groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time. While each couple should choose what they feel is best between the two of them, it may be also worth considering if your family members will have strong opinions about witnessing that moment.

Could Diminish the Emotional Impact of the Aisle Moment

There’s something undeniably powerful about locking eyes with your partner for the first time as you walk down the aisle. Take my recent couple as an example—just look at the raw emotion on Hunter’s face when he saw Madison walking down the aisle. For some couples, this moment holds deep sentimental value, and a first look might take away from that intensity, diminishing the emotional impact of the moment. If the element of surprise and the buildup of emotion are important to you, skipping the first look might be the right choice.

Requires Careful Planning and Coordination

Coordinating a first look isn’t as simple as it sounds—it requires careful planning to ensure that the moment is both private and perfectly timed. You don’t want this moment to cause hiccups that prevent your day from running smoothly! You’ll need to work closely with your photographer, wedding planner, and venue to find the perfect spot and time for this special moment. Without intentional planning, a first look could disrupt the flow of the day, especially if you prefer a more traditional timeline. For couples without a wedding planner or coordinator, these logistical details can add extra stress to your day.

Unique Alternatives to a First Look

First Touch or Letter Exchange

If you want to keep the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony but still want to share a special moment with your partner, consider a “first touch” or exchanging letters. This can be a beautiful way to connect and share your feelings without breaking tradition. However, arranging a moment like this can be tricky and requires careful coordination to ensure you don’t accidentally see each other before the ceremony. 

Private Moment After the Ceremony

Another alternative to a first look is to plan a private moment together immediately following the ceremony. This allows you to keep the traditional first look at the aisle but still have an intimate moment together to savor the excitement of just being married. However, this approach can be challenging to arrange when you’re eager to move on to the reception and celebrate with your guests. It can easily disrupt the flow of your day if not carefully coordinated—you’ll really need the support of a wedding planner to help manage the logistics if you choose this idea.

Heartfelt Wedding Photos You’ll Treasure Forever

Deciding whether to have a wedding day first look is a deeply personal choice that depends on your priorities and the vision you have for your wedding day. The benefits of a first look—such as creating a private, intimate moment and capturing more emotional photos—often outweigh the cons. However, if you’re drawn to tradition and the emotional impact of seeing each other at the aisle for the first time, there are thoughtful alternatives to consider. Whatever you decide, the key is to choose what feels most meaningful to you and your partner.

At Morgan Alysse Photography, I often recommend to opt for a first look because of the candid and emotional moments it creates. However, my priority is always to capture your wedding day in a way that reflects your love story and preferences. I’d love to help you create timeless, elegant memories that you’ll cherish forever. Get in touch today so we can start planning the wedding photography experience that will perfectly reflect your love story.