What is the “First Look”? Should You Do It?

The Tea

Let’s talk about the first look. If you’re deep into wedding planning, you’ve probably heard of this trendy moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. It’s a bit of a break from tradition, and it’s gaining serious popularity. So, what’s the deal? Should you go for it, or are you all about that classic aisle moment? Let’s dive in.

The First Look: Breaking Tradition

Traditionally, couples wait until the ceremony for that epic moment when the bride walks down the aisle, and the groom sees her for the first time. But the first look is a modern twist—an intimate, private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony begins. Think of it like a sneak peek into your wedding day before all the chaos (and guest eyes) hit.
Usually, this moment is carefully planned and orchestrated by your photographer/videographer and wedding coordinator. You’ll be in a quiet spot away from your guests, where the groom waits for the bride. When she approaches, it’s just you two—no big crowds, no formalities, just pure emotion. It’s a chance to share a moment, exchange a few words, and feel the weight of the day, away from the spotlight.

1. Emotional Moments (Heartstrings, Anyone?)

Okay, let’s talk real talk. While social distancing has obviously played a part in the rise of micro weddings, let’s not overlook the perks. For one, they give couples the freedom to break the mold of traditional weddings. Forget about fitting into a one-size-fits-all schedule or trying to please every family member. Micro weddings let you focus on what matters most: YOU.

Want to have a wedding that’s totally you and not just another Pinterest copy-paste job? Micro weddings give you the room to get creative. With fewer guests, you can splurge on the little details—like a custom floral installation, over the top attire or an intimate dinner at a venue you wouldn’t typically be able to afford with 200 people.

Plus, if you and your partner are more on the introverted side (or just want to avoid the overwhelming attention), a smaller wedding could be the best way to feel relaxed and present on your big day. More of your closest people = more of those perfect moments.

The Pros of Doing a First Look

2. Time for Photos + More Fun Later

Let’s be real—wedding photos can take a while. But with a first look, you can knock out some epic shots before the ceremony. This means more time for you to mingle with guests and sip cocktails during your reception. A bonus? The emotions are raw, making for photos that capture the real you.

3. Wedding Day Calm

Got wedding jitters? A first look helps ease the anxiety. No huge audience, no pressure—just the two of you taking in the moment. It’s the perfect way to ground yourself before the big “I do.”

4. Party Time, Faster

Let’s face it: we all want to get to the party. With your photos taken care of before the ceremony, you get more time to celebrate with your people. The dance floor awaits, and you’ll be ready to rock it with less stress.

The Cons of Doing a First Look

1. Early Start

Here’s the catch: doing a first look means starting your wedding day a bit earlier. You’ll need enough time for hair, makeup, and prep. If you’re not into early mornings, this could be a dealbreaker.

2. Traditional Vibes Might Clash

If you’re all about sticking to the traditional “don’t see each other before the ceremony” rule, a first look might not be for you. Some couples love the drama of that aisle reveal—it’s a classic for a reason.

3. The Anticipation Factor

Let’s be real—if you’re seeing each other before the ceremony, you lose that big, dramatic “wow” moment as the bride walks down the aisle. If you’re someone who wants to build that suspense, this might take away from the thrill.

4. Pressure to React

Some couples feel a bit of pressure to have a super emotional reaction during the first look. If you’re not naturally inclined to big emotional displays, this could feel a little forced or awkward. It’s all about how real you want it to feel.

5. Missing the Audience Moment

One of the downsides? If you do a first look, your guests miss that initial emotional moment between you two. If you want to share your first glance with all your friends and family, this could feel like you’re excluding them from the magic.

Here’s the bottom line: there’s no right or wrong answer. It all comes down to you and your partner’s vibe. If you’re feeling the first look and want to have a private, emotional moment before the ceremony, go for it. But if you’re all about that aisle reveal and want to build that anticipation, stick to tradition.

The most important thing is that your decision reflects both of your personalities, your styles, and the overall vibes you two want for your wedding day. Whether you go with a first look or save the magic for when you walk down the aisle, make sure it’s something that feels authentic to you.

So, Should You Have a First Look?

Ready to make your wedding epic in Bend, Oregon or Scottsdale, Arizona or any other dreamy destination? Let’s chat—The Indigo Bride has you covered every step of the way.

Craving more wedding inspo, pro tips, and juicy deets about The Indigo Bride? Dive into our real weddings portfolio, check out our fab planning packages, and stalk us on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter—monthly trends and must-knows, delivered straight to your inbox.