Should You Have a First Look at Your Wedding? An Honest Guide for Couples Who Are on the Fence

If you’ve been looking at wedding photography ideas, chances are you’ve come across some ‘first look’ shots.

You might love the idea of seeing your partner before the ceremony and having a few minutes together without everyone else around. Or you might be thinking, ‘but isn’t the whole point that I see them for the first time walking down the aisle?’

Both are completely fair. A first look isn’t something you need to do to have amazing wedding photographs, and it certainly isn’t something you should feel pressured into because you’ve seen other couples doing it. It’s simply another option for how you can structure part of your wedding day.

Having shot lots of weddings across Aberdeenshire, I’ve seen both approaches work really well. So, if you’re currently on the fence, here are a few things I’d think about before making your decision.

A first look is simply a private moment where you and your partner see each other before your ceremony.

Usually, one person will wait somewhere at the venue while the other comes to meet them. Your photographer will usually be there to capture the reaction, but the idea is that the moment is mainly for the two of you.

There’s no set way it has to happen. Some couples make a big moment of it, while others have a quick hug, happy cry and carry on. It can be as simple as you want it to be!

Wedding mornings can be busy. Even at an intimate wedding ceremony, there are usually suppliers arriving, people getting ready, family members popping in and out and plenty of excitement building. You and your partner can quite easily spend the whole morning in separate rooms without actually having a moment together.

A first look gives you that chance. You get to see each other, have a hug, share that emotional moment and actually take a minute to realise that this is the day you’ve been so excited for!

For some couples, that private moment is much more appealing than having their first interaction in front of all their guests.

There’s a practical side to a first look too. If you want to do some photographs before the ceremony, you can potentially get some couple portraits and bridal party photographs done before your guests arrive. That can mean having more time to enjoy your drinks reception afterwards.

This can be particularly useful if you’re getting married in Aberdeenshire later in the year. Once autumn and winter arrive, there are fewer daylight hours to work with, so doing some photographs earlier can give you a bit more flexibility.

This is where I think couples should trust their gut. If you’ve always pictured walking down the aisle and seeing your partner waiting for you, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping that moment as you imagined!

For some couples, the anticipation is a huge part of the ceremony. They want to spend the morning looking forward to seeing their partner, then have that first look happen with all their friends and family there, which can be really powerful.

This will surprise some of you…but not necessarily!

I think this is probably the biggest worry couples have about first looks, and I completely understand it. You might have already had a lovely private moment together, so the aisle moment becomes about seeing each other again in a completely different setting.

I’ve seen couples have a first look and still be even more emotional when they see each other during the ceremony!

A first look can mean starting your day a little earlier. You’ll need to be ready in time for the first look, then allow time for the moment itself and any photographs you want to take afterwards. If you’re planning lots of photographs before the ceremony, your morning will need a bit more structure.

For some couples, that’s absolutely fine. For others, the idea of having a slower morning with their bridesmaids, parents or friends is much more important. If you’d rather have a cup of tea, take your time getting ready and enjoy those final moments before the ceremony, there’s no reason to change that just to fit in a first look.

I’d start by forgetting about the photographs for a minute and think about the actual experience you want.

Do you like the idea of having some time together before the ceremony? Would you rather get some photographs done early and have more time with your guests afterwards? Or have you always imagined that first look happening as you walk down the aisle?

There’s your answer!

And if you genuinely can’t decide, talk it through with your photographer. They can look at your ceremony time, venue, time of year and the rest of your plans and help you work out what would make sense.

If you’re currently on the fence, or are looking for a wedding photographer in Aberdeenshire, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

Get in touch for a chat about your wedding, your plans and what you’re looking for from your photos.