As your wedding day approaches, we get a lot of questions about whether or not you should do a first look. While some brides are certain that they want one, others are more hesitant and want some insight into the pros and cons of the decision. Well, we are here to give you 5 reasons why you should do a first look.

1. Intimate moment

On your wedding day, you won't get much alone/private time. Scheduling a first look ensures that you and your partner will have some time together before the festivities begin. While this day is about you two, you are still sharing it with all your guests. Don't get us wrong, we love large weddings but this just makes sure that you have a special moment just the two of you. You can share some sweet words with your partner that no one else will hear.

There are some things that are so special, that you may not want to share them with the world right away. First looks keep the significance of that moment between you two, select friends and family, and your wedding photographers and videographers. Seeing his face for the first time as he sees his beautiful bride, priceless.

2. Helps you settle before the ceremony

It's common to get nerves or butterflies before the ceremony so seeing your partner beforehand will help to settle them. The love between you two is the reason for the day so having a moment to remind yourself of that will help you find some peace and stillness. As we said above, your wedding day will fly by in the blink of an eye, and having this moment will give you some time to hit the pause button.

In a twist, we have had some brides do a fake first look with one of the groomsmen coming out to surprise the groom. It's always such a funny moment when the groom turns around expecting his bride but instead is met with one of his guys in a “wedding dress”. Such an easy and fun way to break the tension and relax any nerves you may have.

3. Allows more room for creative shots

Another benefit is that this gives you more room for creative couple portraits. Our couple's portrait shoot or creative session comes out of the first look so having one gives you more time for those fun photos you want. Not only that, but you'll still get some after the ceremony during sunset (if you want) so you can get even more photos! This just ensures that you get some before the day/night gets away from you. The mood is different during that time not only in lighting but also in vibes so you will get an array of photos.

4. You get to pick the location

Along with point 3, you get to pick the location of this moment. It can be at a sentimental spot, where you're getting ready, your venue, or a place that you've always wanted photos at. This just gives you opportunity for variety and/or sentimentalism. If adding another location to the itinerary stresses you out, don't worry, you can keep it close and simple. It is just an opportunity for you to express more of your style and aesthetic for the day.

5. Doesn't take away from the altar moment

One of the biggest concerns we hear from brides about doing a first look is that it will take away from the moment when you walk down the aisle. We will tell you that, no, it does not take away the magnificence and speciality of that moment. It may be the second time you will see each other but it is the first time at the altar, during the ceremony, on your big day. Nothing can take away from that moment. Plus you will have you all of your guests there which adds a difference to the moment when it was just the two of you. The first look was just the amuse-bouche, the ceremony is the main course!

We hope that these 5 pros help you in your decision but if you really don't feel like a first look is for you, here are 5 alternatives so you can still have special and private moment.

1. First Note

Write a note to your betrothed and read it to each other back-to-back, behind a door, or anything that puts a little separation between you two. We always ask our couples write notes to each other whether they are doing a first look or not and it is always such a sweet and special time.

2. First Touch/Hug

We have had couples do a first touch as they still wanted an intimate moment while keeping an air of mystery and surprise. The first touch gives you the opportunity to center yourself and gives your photographer and videographer to get that extra bit of romance. Just holding hands can be enough to remind you of what really matters and the life that you two are starting together.

3. First Prayer

Faith is a key role in weddings and if you want to keep things traditional, consider doing a first prayer. Prayer is a great way to integrate your faith into the festivities even before the wedding ceremony. Incorporating prayer can be a powerful moment and you don't even need to see each other for it.

4. First Song/Poem

If you fancy yourself the artsy, creative type, consider doing a first song or poem. You can write, play, or perform something original or something that means a lot to you two. Not only will it make for a special moment between you two in the moment but with the help of your wedding photographer and videographer, you'll be able to cherish that moment for life.

5. First look with Father

If you still want to do a first look but want to wait until the altar to see your groom, do a first look with your dad/father figure. You still get to have that big reveal moment and what a special time for your dad see his little girl all dressed up. We have had some couples do their first look with the dad in the bride's childhood home and talk about a Father of the Bride moment. The dads' reactions are always priceless and now you'll have them to cherish in your wedding photos for life.

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