First Look

I too want to enjoy my cocktail hour im doing the first look. I was also torn but i keep hearing the day of the wedding passes by on a breeze. And i want to enjoy every minute

Were not doing a first look. Two reasons:
1. This is not his 1st marriage and he is normally not superstitious but says "were not taking any chances. Do that 'old, borrowed blue' thing too. I dont want to jinx anything". Lol

2. I want to see his face when I'm walking down the aisle and he sees me for the 1st time. I just think there is something kind of magical about it. Haha I know that sounds corny but I just can't help thinking that will be a special moment for both of us.

We aren't doing one. We also *gasp* aren't doing a cocktail hour. We're getting married at a botanic gardens, and after the ceremony is the absolute best time for our guests to actually go and explore the rest of the gardens. They're more than welcome to go to the reception venue (on site) and grab a drink and a seat, but we're encouraging them to take the time to walk around a bit. We really want that time between the ceremony and reception to take photos and just celebrate on a smaller scale first. We *are* doing all the separate family photos first, though, to give us most of that time in between to just ourselves.

We are doing a first look. My thought was that I didn't want that intimate of a moment to be in front of a whole bunch of people. And I think it will help me less nervous during the ceremony.

On the fence. I want to see his face as I walk and it be a complete surprise but I’m a very nervous person so I can imagine my nerves will be shot. Part of me thinks seeing him before will help me calm down. I’m sure as my wedding day approaches I will make my final decision.

I'm honestly a huge fan of the idea of him seeing me walk down the aisle and that's like... it. Like I love the romance of it so much. His mom has very traditional views of weddings, as well, which only adds to the pressure to not do a First Look.

That said, we're getting married in early November and our ceremony starts right after sunset. If we want any photos with the sun actually up, we have to do a First Look. Since he claims he doesn't care what we do, as of right now that's our plan. A First Look around 4 or 4:30 pm, ceremony is... it was either 6 or 6:30 pm.

However, his mom is Super. Traditional. when it comes to weddings, and I could see her trying to convince him not to until he gets annoyed enough to decide we shouldn't.

We’re doing a first look and I’m really excited about it! Someone else mentioned the ketubah signing, which we are doing pre-ceremony anyway, so we are doing the staged first look for the photos. We are also doing a mini first look with FHs daughter, which I think will be super cute. Bonus that we will get to enjoy the cocktail hour, but I’m really looking forward to having those few minutes with just the two of us, and getting to see the raw emotion up close rather than from a distance. He’s the crier of the two of us so he’s looking forward to getting that out of the way without everyone watching him cry. I think he’ll still cry when I walk down the aisle though haha.

I thought about it and I couldn’t decide so I asked my FH and he said he didn’t want to.. and so that’s how I made my decision..

I want a first look but my FH doesn't he says he wants to see me walking towards him down the aisle.

Do it!! It was my favorite part of my wedding day - so special and intimate :-)

To have a first look or not to have a first look? Many couples find themselves asking this question. 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!