Should You Do A First Look?

February 16, 2021

Bride and groom first look at postlewaits in Oregon City

the pros and cons of doing a first look – should you do a first look?

Something I always get asked about from my couples in the beginning of their planning process (or at least one of the first questions I always ask) is: Are you planning on doing a first look?

Because that’s definitely not something someone can decide in a matter of minutes and should be thought about carefully, I like to give my couples the pros and cons of doing one versus not doing one.

Here’s a collection of what I usually tell them, both from personal experience and photographer standpoint.

Can you guess which route my husband and I chose? [Scroll to end to find out!]

Now let’s start with reasons why doing a first look may NOT be for you…
[because I don’t want to convince you in to something that’s just not for you]

Tradition is important to you. You may have dreamed of this day since you were young and waiting to see each other as you meet at the altar together is paramount to that vision.
Your timeline doesn’t allow enough time for a first look. Maybe you’ve opted for a morning ceremony or just don’t have the time at your venue needed for a first look- no problem! Leaves more time in the golden light of the afternoon for all the bride and groom pictures you can hope for!
You both are getting ready in completely different places and the logistics of doing a first look before your ceremony just doesn’t allow for one.
Religion or cultural tradition doesn’t allow for one. Enough said.
**A little suggestion: You also have the option to do first looks with other people besides your bride/groom! Like your parents, your grandparents, or your bridal party!

[like Megan who chose to do a first look with her dad on her big day!]

ALSO, Sometimes a “first touch” can be the option for you!
This helps get rid of the wedding jitters by just knowing and feeling that you’re in this together, while also keeping the special moment of seeing each other as you meet at the altar special.

And now..

Reasons why a first look may just be for YOU.

You want to see Your Person ASAP! Whether they calm your nerves, or you want to lay one on them and don’t want to wait until the ceremony- you can even exchange some personal vows or notes or gifts during this time as well!
You want your first time seeing each other as bride and groom to be a special and intimate moment. Not one shared as all of your guests watch you walk down the aisle to one another.
You really want to knock out those group photos before your guests arrive! This one is a HUGE win with your photographer. Once you have your first look, you are available to get to those bridal party photos, family portraits, and even some of just the two of you. Win win for everyone!
You are having a later ceremony and don’t want to waste daylight. This is a great way to get your wedding day started and save the most important part- the partying with your guests- for the evening!
You want those emotional and sweet first look photos you’ve seen on the internet! The ones where it’s just you and your person and your raw emotions and reactions to seeing each other in your wedding attire. There’s no shame in drawing inspiration from other’s wedding days!

Okay so what did my husband and I choose?

We opted for a first look! For a variety of different reasons. We really wanted to have a special moment between the two of us and then include our bridal party- which was mostly comprised of our family- in the special moment as well. So we went to a local school campus, did our own first look, then invited the bridesmaids and groomsmen to where we were at to show them how we looked together! This worked out really well because there wasn’t much cover for any of us to hide from each other where we were having our ceremony (the backyard of my husband’s childhood home). It just made getting around before the ceremony start time that much easier! Plus, we got to knock out the bridal party photos before the ceremony even started! Which gave us a ton of time to mingle with our guests before dinner.

So tell me, are you and your significant other going for it [here’s another couple who went for the first look]? Or are you staying true to tradition and saving it for the ceremony?

Let me know why or why not! I’m always interested to hear other sides!

[check out Megan + Matt who opted for a first look during their gorgeous fall wedding at Postlewait’s Country Weddings in Canby, OR- they also chose to exchange sweet and personal gifts during this time together!]