First look or wait?

View Quoted Comment I have considered the no look first look too! I am unsure about the first look vs pics after. Photographers have told me it really eats into cocktail hour but maybe it wont be as much of an impact and we can also take more pictures during the reception.

View Quoted Comment I don’t particularly care about being at cocktail hour, so it doesn’t bother me in the slightest to miss it, if we do.

The first look was my absolute favorite part of my wedding day! It's so special and intimate

This is what I tell couples considering a first look... There is usually one main reason couples don't want to have a first look or think they shouldn't have a first look: Tradition. Couples that don't want to have a first look usually think they shouldn't see each other on their wedding day before the eagerly anticipated moment of walking down the aisle. They think their partner's reaction will be "bigger" or more genuine seeing them walking down the aisle. The opposite is actually true, and this is the first reason to have a first look!

1. More Genuine Reaction

For some reason, people assume that experiencing a monumental moment in front of a bunch of people (even if it is family and friends) will lead someone to display a perfect, fairytale-like, teary-eyed reaction at the alter. I hate to burst your bubble, but this isn't always the case. In fact, many people get too nervous in front of a lot of people to really enjoy the moment and, in turn, their reactions in front of others won't reflect their true feelings of excitement for their partners in that moment. When it's just the couple off on their own... the bride slowly walking towards her groom... the anticipation of seeing each other building... the moment they lock eyes and embrace... they forget anyone else is even around and THAT is when life feels like a fairytale and some happy tears might be shared! These few special minutes together might just turn out to be your favorite moment and memory of the day!

2. Ease Nerves

You've likely spent most of the morning or afternoon apart... finishing up last minute details... putting on make up... perfecting the hair... getting into the gown... adjusting the tie and cuff links... As the anticipation of finally seeing each other all dressed up after a few hours apart builds, the nerves might set in as the realization that such a huge, life-changing commitment (which will be in front of lots of family and friends) lies just moments ahead of you! You're excited, but you can't help being nervous, as well. Having a few minutes alone with your bride or groom before the ceremony is a great way to ease the tension, settle nerves, and be left with only excitement before walking down the aisle!

3. Only Intimate Moment of the Day

The wedding day is all about celebrating the happy newlyweds! You might not realize it beforehand, but during almost every moment of the day, you'll find yourself surrounded by friends and family. Your loved ones will want to congratulate you and talk with you and take pictures with you. This is all very sweet and celebratory; however, it doesn't leave the couple with much alone time. Having a first look ensures the couple is able to sneak away and have a moment to themselves to soak in the special day!

4. More Time For Photos Earlier

If you decide to have a first look, you can get more of the formal photos done earlier in the day, rather than having to wait until after the ceremony. If the couple is willing to see each other beforehand, they can take couples photos and bridal party photos earlier, and even take some family portraits earlier too (if some of the family members have arrived early).

5. Get Back to Celebrating Sooner

With more photos taken earlier in the day, you're left with less photos to be taken after the ceremony, and that means you can enjoy cocktail hour with your loved ones and get back to celebrating at the reception sooner!

I highly recommend a "first look" for couples getting married! Seeing each other during a "first look" before the ceremony is a very special and intimate moment shared with just the couple, and it can help ease some nerves before the ceremony. I promise... Doing a "first look" does not make the walk down the aisle any less special! Additionally, doing a "first look" will also allow for taking more photos before the ceremony, so there are less photos to take after the ceremony, and you can get back to celebrating more quickly!