If you’re planning a wedding, you may have heard of a “first look” before the ceremony. Traditionally, the first time a couple sees each other on their wedding day is when the bride walks down the aisle. However, many couples are choosing to break from tradition and have a first look before the ceremony.
So, what is a first look and why are more and more couples choosing to have one? In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about a first look before the aisle.
What is a First Look?
A first look is a private moment between the bride and groom before the wedding ceremony. It’s an opportunity to see each other for the first time on your wedding day without any distractions or interruptions. The couple usually meets at a predetermined location, away from the hustle and bustle of the ceremony site.
The bride and groom are able to share this moment together before they start the formal festivities of the day. This could be a chance to exchange gifts, express their love for each other, or simply take a deep breath together before the ceremony begins.
Why Choose a First Look?
There are many benefits to choosing a first look before the aisle. Here are just a few:
– More Time for Photos: By seeing each other before the ceremony, you can take your wedding photos before the ceremony starts. This can save time and reduce stress during the rest of the day.
– Reduced Nerves: Seeing each other before the ceremony can help calm your nerves and reduce stress. You can be together before the ceremony, which can help to ease any anxiety you may be feeling.
– Intimate Moment: The first look is a private moment between the bride and groom. It can be a special time to share a quiet moment together before the rest of the day begins.
The Pros and Cons of a First Look
While there are many benefits to a first look before the aisle, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Here are a few pros and cons to help you make a decision:
Pros:
– More time for photos
– Reduced nerves
– Intimate moment
– Can ease anxiety
– Can be a special memory
Cons:
– Breaks tradition
– May feel pressured to have a certain response or reaction
– Can be an additional expense if you want a photographer present
– Can be time-consuming
How to Plan Your First Look
If you decide to have a first look before the aisle, there are a few things to consider when planning your first look:
When and where will it take place?
Choose a location that is private and meaningful to you as a couple. It’s best to select a spot away from the hustle and bustle of the ceremony location. Consider hiring a photographer to capture the moment.
Who will be present?
Decide who you want to be present during your first look. Some couples choose to have just the photographer present, while others may have the bridal party and immediate family members.
What will you wear?
Plan to wear your bridal gown and bridal makeup/hair. You’ll want to look and feel your best for this special moment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a first look is a private moment for the bride and groom before the ceremony. It can be a great way to calm nerves, reduce stress, and create a special memory together. While there are potential downsides to consider, a first look can be a great addition to your wedding day. If you’re interested in having a first look before the aisle, be sure to plan ahead and make it meaningful for you and your partner.
FAQ
How long before ceremony should first look be?
The “first look” is a special moment between the bride and groom where they see each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony begins. Many couples ask how much time they should allocate for the first look, and the general advice is to schedule it around 45-60 minutes before the wedding ceremony.
During this time, the bride and groom can enjoy a private moment together, taking in each other’s appearance and sharing their feelings. This moment can be quite emotional and intimate, allowing for some highly emotional photographic moments. This time frame also gives the couple enough time to have a few basic portraits of themselves taken before the ceremony in a relaxed and stress-free environment.
Although the actual first look might only take a few minutes, the additional time provides a buffer for any unexpected delays or hiccups that could arise like touch-ups on makeup, wardrobe malfunctions, or last-minute changes. This extra time also enables the couple to adjust their schedule if needed, ensuring everything runs smoothly as they prepare for the big day.
Additionally, the larger time frame before the ceremony allows the couple to get some of their group photos taken care of as well. This means that family and wedding party photos can be done in advance, freeing up more time after the ceremony for the couple to enjoy themselves and mingle with guests.
Allowing for 45-60 minutes before the ceremony for the first look provides enough time for the bride and groom to have a special moment, take basic portraits, and tackle any unexpected issues while providing adequate time buffers to handle any unexpected situation. It’s an excellent way to start the wedding day on a relaxed note and provides the couple with the opportunity to savor the moment before the excitement and chaos of the wedding day begins.
Are you allowed to kiss during first look?
During a wedding, the first look is a special and intimate moment between the bride and groom where they see each other in their wedding attire for the first time before the ceremony begins. It is a private moment shared between only the bride and groom (and their photographer if present) where they have an opportunity to express their emotions and feelings for each other before the wedding ceremony.
To answer the question directly, yes, couples are allowed to kiss during the first look. In fact, kissing during the first look is a common occurrence and is generally encouraged to capture candid moments and emotions on camera. During the first look, couples can take their time with one another and truly speak what’s on their heart. They can hug, kiss, and fully take in the moment without being rushed.
Furthermore, the first look is a perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful and romantic photos of the couple that can be displayed in their home forever. These photos will not only be cherished by the couple but by friends and family for years to come.
The first look is a significant moment during a wedding, and couples are allowed to kiss during this intimate moment. It is a great way for couples to express their love and emotions in a private setting before they officially tie the knot in front of all their guests.
Do most people do a first look?
The first look is a newer addition to wedding traditions, where the couple sees each other privately for the first time on their big day before the ceremony. It’s a special moment where the couple can share their emotions with each other. However, the question remains, do most people do a first look?
The answer is that it varies from couple to couple. Some couples opt for a first look, while others choose to stick to the traditional route of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony. There are several reasons why couples choose to have a first look or not.
Couples who choose to do a first look might do so for practical purposes. They may want to take their wedding photographs before the ceremony to save time later in the day. By doing so, it frees up time for the couple to mingle with guests or even allows them to attend their cocktail hour.
On the other hand, some couples choose not to do a first look because they prefer to keep with tradition and wait until the ceremony. For them, there’s something special about the moment when the groom sees his bride walking down the aisle. It’s a moment that they have been looking forward to their entire lives, and they don’t want to spoil it by seeing each other before the ceremony.
Another reason why some couples choose not to do a first look is that they prefer to keep the emotions of the moment as a surprise. They want to have an authentic reaction in front of their families and friends during the ceremony.
It’s also important to understand that some couples might not want to do a first look because it goes against their cultural or religious beliefs. They might consider it bad luck to see each other before the ceremony and choose to follow the tradition.
While the first look is a lovely wedding tradition, not everyone chooses to do it. Couples can decide what is best for them and make a choice that will make their day unique and memorable.