There is an age old tradition where the bride and groom would not see each other until that emotional first glimpse down the aisle. To do so would be considered bad luck and would signify a superstitious start to their marriage. But over time, weddings have evolved. They have moved away from traditional values and have become very much about crafting a personalised celebration. These days, couples are opting for a more intimate celebration, where the focus is on spending time with their family and friends. Social media has also changed the landscape for how weddings are conduced.
For this reason, more and more couples are opting for a first look before the wedding ceremony.
Here, we will discuss why couples choose to do a first look, some of the pros and cons, as well as some first look photo ideas.
What is a first look?
A first look is a modern take on a traditional approach to weddings, where the couple see each other for the first time before the wedding rather than at the ceremony as they normally would. This is usually done at the Airbnb where the couple are staying (often getting ready in separate parts of the house) or they will meet in a photographic location that’s usually away from the ceremony venue.
Sometimes the first look will be staged by the photographer or wedding coordinator where the groom will be facing with his back away from the bride as she enters. He will then turn around and they will both enjoy a heartfelt moment together as they meet for the first time in their wedding attire.
During this time- the couple will generally take their couples portraits, as well as their bridal party photos and perhaps even some family photos as well.
Why Couples Do A First Look?
There are a couple of reasons for why couples may choose to break wedding tradition by opting for a first look.
Firstly, it allows the couple to spend more time with their guests at the wedding.
Traditionally, a couple would be whisked away for an hour after the ceremony to capture their couples portraits. This means that their guests are left to mingle and socialise as they wait for the couple to return. But by doing their photos prior to the wedding, they can instead enjoy cocktail hour with their guests and immerse themselves more in the celebrations.
Another reason why couples do a first look photoshoot is for content. We are living in the age of social media and there is nothing more visually stunning than wedding content. For a lot of couples, the first look works as an additional photo or video opportunity on top of the traditional hour after the ceremony. It’s also a chance to use another location outside of their wedding venue to diversify in content locations.
Lastly, the first look is a chance for the couple to spend a moment together before the wedding. As we all know- weddings can be a bit chaotic and many couples don’t really get to spend much time together once the ceremony begins. The first look is an opportunity for a couple to be able to enjoy a brief moment together- after all, that is what the day is all about.
Pros and Cons
There are a few pros and cons to consider when option for a first look.
Pros
Cons
- More time spent with guests
- Capturing an intimate emotional moment
- Additional photoshoot location
- An intimate moment together
- Breaking tradition (bad luck in some cultures)
- Deescalates the anticipation of the aisle moment
- Lighting might not be ideal (harsher midday sun)
- You'll need to get ready earlier
Ideas for your first look
At an Airbnb
An Airbnb is a great place to do your first look photos, as many couples hire one anyway- especially if they are travelling for a wedding. There are so many Airbnb’s that are centred around unique design and give a lot of character to your couples portraits.
In a field or forest
There is something truly magical about photos in nature. A forest or field is a great location to stage your first look photos. It also means that you can get ready in separate locations and create a more anticipated moment as you meet for the first time.
Your Wedding Venue
Many couples choose to do their first look at their wedding venue. A lot of wedding venues provide a bridal suite, which is a great location for your first look- and it means that you don’t need to worry about rushing off to make your ceremony time.
About
Vanessa Claire
Vanessa Claire is an engineer turned photographer. With 10 years of photography experience and a professionally trained background in landscape and travel, she has a unique skill for using natural light and composition to create remarkable images. Her vision is to create timeless imagery by utilising unique and creative compositions.
Outside of photography, Vanessa loves travelling, surfing the coast and sipping on a good Nebbiolo.
