As wedding experts in the business for over 10 years, we have planned, designed, and seen a wide range of weddings. We guide couples through tough financial decisions, we have fun brining their colorful designs to life, and we also construct the main timelines for the big celebrations. When we start constructing that timeline we always ask our couples “are you doing a first look?” Sometimes we are greeted with a firm stance in either direction, and sometimes we are asked back: “I don’t know. Should we?”

In short, the answer is up to you. But allow us to break it down a bit more:

What is a first look?

A first look is a moment before the ceremony when you and your partner see each other dressed in your wedding attire for the first time. It’s usually a private moment between your partner and the photographer (and videographer if you hired one). The purpose is to have an intimate moment with your loved one where you can openly share any emotions. It tends to also be the moment couples share private vows or exchange gifts if that’s what they desire. It also allows the surprise factor of the attire to happen earlier in the day, so you can take more photos with your partner and wedding parties.

Pros of a First Look:

You get to see your partner earlier in the day. It means less potential stress and build up since you get to be with your partner before the ceremony.
You can take some photos around town, with your wedding party, and potentially other family members before the ceremony.
It’s a beautiful intimate moment between you and your partner before all your guests start to attend. It’s a perfect blend of having a controlled moment to guarantee photos, while also being spontaneous with how the emotions come out.
Potential less logistic problem solving to keep you both away till the ceremony.

What about waiting till the ceremony?

Some people really want to capture those heightened emotions of seeing your partner for the first time down the aisle. We totally get it—we understand the magic of walking down the aisle and seeing your partner for the first time after a long day of getting ready, and the release of tears and emotions as you get ready to share public vows.

Pros of Waiting till Ceremony:

Depending on your schedule it means you could potentially get ready later in the day and have a more open morning. Maybe even hang out with your partner longer in the morning.
If you are hosting an early morning ceremony, you do still get to see your partner earlier in the day.
You can have more intimate time with your wedding parties of families in the morning as you get ready in the day.

Now if you want our HONEST opinion as planners…we are team first look.

Obviously we have planned plenty of weddings where the couple waited till the ceremony. Whatever your choice is, we will support you—we will block doors, communicate with our team to make sure you leave at different times, and we’ve even had a partner wear a blindfold so everyone could make it to their first locations unseen. But first looks are logistically easier to manage in the timeline, and it requires less management to “keep you away” for a first look vs. almost the whole day. Another point to note is unless you have a ceremony early in the morning and your reception later in the evening, you won’t be able to take photos at different locations around town. There simply isn’t enough time! If you don’t mind only taking photos at the venue, then all is good. If you don’t do a first look but still want photos with your family members or each other’s wedding party, then you will mostly likely be using up some of the cocktail hour time to sang those photos. We are hard advocates of letting you have some alone time on the day, so we strongly recommend scheduling a “cocktail 90” so you have 30 minutes of photos, and then during the actual hour of cocktail mingling, you can have a moment to rest.

If you’re afraid having a first look will lessen any emotions you or your guests will have, then don’t be. Trust us when we say, there are tons of emotions during the ceremony that will naturally bubble up. You will still have some beautiful moments captured. Just check out these gorgeous emotions from couples that also did a first look:

If neither option is making your heart sing—you can do neither.

We have had tons of couples get dressed together and made it more of a holistic morning ritual for the day. After all, it’s supposed to be a day to celebrate you and your love so why not spend it all day together? Wedding’s are filled with “traditions” that date back centuries, and let’s be honest, most often created from not the most romantic of reasons….so if you keep them and make them your own—beautiful! But we are here to remind you that wedding’s are romantic no matter what you choose. Do what makes you feel the most comfortable on your wedding day.

So what will you do on your wedding? A first look? Will you wait till the ceremony, or will you spend the whole day together?

Need support planning out your wedding day?

Fierce Productions is a Chicago based event planning company specializing in curating unique, bold, non-traditional weddings and events. Our talented team of professionals can handle all of your event needs including planning and coordination, design and styling, vendor and talent management, fundraising, marketing support and beyond - get in touch to learn more!

Should I Do A First Look for My Wedding?

What is a first look?

What about waiting till the ceremony?