Should I do a First Look? Pros, Cons, and Other Options

A first look is a super special moment between you and your fiancé. But what if you want that first look to be while you're walking down the aisle? What if you want more time with your fiancé before the ceremony? Here are all of the pros and cons of doing a first look on your wedding day, plus some other options if you're still not sure.

Pros

There are many pros to doing a first look:

• Spending more of your wedding day with your fiancé

• Getting an up-close and personal interaction when your partner sees you for the first time after getting ready

• Receiving a shower of compliments after your partner turns around and sees you for the first time

• Having the opportunity for private vows after the first look

• Having time for couple photos before the ceremony with perfect hair and makeup

Cons

I have to say, I don't see many cons to a first look, though there are some drawbacks that you may see if you're looking to have a more traditional wedding.

• Not getting the initial reaction from your partner as you walk down the aisle

• Less anticipation of seeing your partner leading up to your ceremony

• Less time to get ready and spend time with your bridesmaids prior to the ceremony

• Adding some time after hair and makeup are done, but before the ceremony, which means touchups may be needed.

Other Options

What if you're not sure about a first look, but still want the advantages of something similar? Here are some options:

First touch:

You want your first look to happen while walking down the aisle, but you also want to talk to your partner before the ceremony, and maybe do some private vows as well. The "first touch" gets you exactly that experience. Find a place where you and your partner can't see each other, whether that be blindfolded and back-to-back, with a door between you, or each of you positioned around the corner from one another. Without looking, hold hands across the barrier you have set, and interact with each other in the way you have chosen. This makes for a special moment in which you can make that connection without having the initial "first look."

Get ready together:

This option is probably the least traditional way of doing things. If you want to spend as much time together with your partner as possible on your wedding day, getting ready together is a fantastic way to do so. It makes the day more intimate, stress-free, and focused on the two of you as a couple.

What you choose is completely up to you as a couple, and what feels best for you. If you have other ideas, don't be afraid to share! I hope this article was helpful in your wedding planning.