Even though it’s not an entirely novel concept, a first look is extremely popular among couples on their wedding. This is essentially when, a few hours before the actual ceremony, the bride and the bridegroom see each other for the first time that day.
And it is as wonderful and enchanting as it sounds.
While no one can confirm whether a first look trumps seeing each other at the ceremony only, this idea has been getting increasingly favored. However, more than any other reason, the decision to go for a first look depends upon the kind of people you and your spouse are and how exactly you’d want your wedding day to go about.
If this idea sounds exciting to you, you should dive headfirst into these reasons which make the first look an absolute delight for many.
Here’s why you cannot afford to miss the first look
Privacy
One of the most common reasons couples opt for a first look is the privacy it offers you on your special day.
Your first look with the love of your life belongs to you two only. This is when you blur the entire world around you and focus on one entity only. It is the time to see the other person all ready to become yours forever. The intimacy of this moment is unparalleled.
However, amid clapping, laughter, music, hooting, and cheers in the actual ceremony, the true essence of this look might be lost.
Therefore, the first look would let you experience this wonderful moment without multiple sets of eyes on the two of you.
Easing the Nerves
Despite your wedding day being one of the best times of your life, it cannot be denied that it’s also a day full of nerves, anxiety, and a whirlwind of emotions. There is an endless list of what-ifs and a huge weight of expectations.
Under these circumstances, having a first look allows you to whole-heartedly experience the spell-binding moment of watching your spouse for the first time on your wedding day without all the background noise present at the main event.
Also, once you’ve had the first look, you would be much more comfortable and at ease which would allow you to enjoy the rest of the day more.
Winter Weddings
Now, this is particularly for those planning to get married during winter.
You, absolutely, cannot risk great pictures by letting go of the chance of a first look. With the sun setting before 5 pm and the sky starting to darken even earlier, you won’t be able to get the right pictures during the ceremony.
And sure, you can have all the artificial lighting in the world, but anyone with a sliver of knowledge of photography can confirm the wonders sunlight does for photographs.
So if you want to capture your radiant faces and gorgeous dresses in the sunlight, a first look is an excellent opportunity.
Aesthetic Pictures
You cannot possibly let go of the chance to have the most Instagram-worthy pictures when you’re looking the best you have ever looked!
At the wedding ceremony, with hundreds of guests, activities, pleasantries, dances, and celebrations, you’d barely have time to take as many pictures as you want, in as many poses as you want.
That’s where the first look comes in. This is your time to relax and be yourself around your loved one as the camera captures the pinnacle of your love story.
Another important reminder here is that before the wedding, you would be very energized and active so taking loads of pictures would be quite exciting and memorable. However, during or towards the end of the ceremony, due to exhaustion, you might not be in the mood for a seemingly unending photoshoot.
Avoiding Pressure and Expectations
Even though it’s not talked about often, there is a subtle pressure on the couple as to how they would react when they see each other for the first time at their wedding. Would the bride slightly falter in her steps as she sets her eyes upon the groom? Would the groom get teary-eyed looking at the woman walking toward him? With everything else going on, no one would want this added pressure.
In fact, some people – especially men – are quite guarded with their emotions and might even sport a stoic face at the ceremony which might be a huge letdown. Therefore, save yourself the trouble of meeting expectations and have a private, intimate first look.
Living Your Wedding
After their wedding, many people realize that they were so nervous and busy ensuring that everything goes perfectly well, that they forgot to actually ‘live’ and cherish the day themselves.
This is the time for you to take a few breaths and enthusiastically relish your biggest day before you get dragged into the whirlwind of activities waiting for you at the event.
Here’s why the idea of a first look might not be sitting well with you
While a first look has been all the rave as of late, it is quite understandable if you want to stick to the traditional ways and wait for that one, final moment when you see your spouse at the ceremony.
Before I get into all the reasons why it might be better if you skip the first look, just imagine this moment: you see your spouse for the first time after hours of waiting, among a sea of guests, but the two of you have eyes only for each other. Wouldn’t that be breathtaking? And as a professional photographer, let me just confirm that some of the most intense expressions of surprise and awe are captured at that time.
Tradition
Some of us just can’t let go of a meaningful and touching tradition. If you are a fan of traditions and are slightly old-fashioned, you’d realize the breathtaking significance of the moment the bridegroom sees his wife-to-be walking down the aisle to meet him. And what a wonderfully intense moment it must be for the bride to see her husband-to-be waiting at the end for her.
Not many people would want to lessen the intensity of this moment by seeing each other earlier.
Getting Up Too Early
It goes without saying, planning to have a first look means getting up at least a few hours earlier. You need to get dressed earlier, you need to travel to the venue of the first look, and you need to spend time there while you are being photographed.
As if getting extra early on your wedding day isn’t bad enough, you might even be exhausted by the time you get to the actual event and need your energy.
Not Exactly Private
Many argue that a first look isn’t exactly, completely private. There is an entire team accompanying the couple. Perhaps there is a bridesmaid following the bride and carrying her essentials such as a bouquet or her clutch, etc. Similarly, someone else might be helping the bride with the train of her dress. And not to mention, the photographers who are zoning in on every little detail.
So it can be argued that a first look only provides the illusion of complete privacy.
The more the first looks, the merrier your day will be!
Your wedding day would undoubtedly center around you and your special someone. Therefore, you do not have to worry about missing any significant moment with them. However, it’s the other, extremely important people in your life you need to pay a little more attention to. Your big day is as huge for your father as it is for you. Your friends couldn’t have been happier or more excited for you.
So why miss the chance to spend a little quality time with them as your beautiful moments are captured by the camera? And before you get whisked away to the main ceremony?
Here are a few suggestions to make your first look with them exceptional enough to add more value, emotion, and love to your wedding day.
Father-Daughter First Look
This man has spent his entire life ensuring that only the best happens to you. And whether you realize it or not, it is not easy at all for him to give you away to someone else. Therefore, take out some time and have a first look with the first love of your life.
A little helpful tip would be to have this look before others because it would surely get emotional in no time.
Bride-Bridesmaid First Look
With a little planning and careful execution, this can be such a joyous, wholesome, and emotional moment for you and your girls. Make sure your bridesmaids are getting ready somewhere close to where you are. This can be another room in the hotel you are at, or perhaps the room next door at your house. You also need to coordinate the timings well so that your girls are not left waiting for long for you to finish up.
And if you take care of just these little details, the moment you emerge from your room and hear the collective gasp of wonder, awe, and surprise from your favorite ladies, you’d be so utterly pleased to have chosen to do a first look with them.
That being said, before you make a final decision, let me add one crucial reminder. Only plan first look(s) if you are sure that there’s enough time to spare.
This day will already be full of nerves for you with a hundred questions running through your mind. You do not want to add unnecessary stress, tension, or activities that leave you tired and emotionally drained when you get to the main event. And if you are a hundred percent convinced that you want first looks, make sure you manage your time accordingly to avoid any hassle later on during the day.
Oh, and let’s not forget that what’s trending isn’t important at all when it comes to your wedding day. What matters is your comfort and preferences, and those are exactly what you need to focus on to have a very memorable day.
Read more on our additional Blog about other First Looks you can have on your wedding!
