Pros and Cons of Including a First Look

The choice is completely yours on whether you want to do a first look on your wedding day, after all this day is custom designed for you! If you’re not sure whether or not you want to do one, here are a few pros and cons for including a first look!

Benefits of Including a First Look:

Privacy:

A first look can give you and your partner a moment alone with each other. First looks can be a really special time to see each other all dressed up before your ceremony! Some couples that elope with their families, choose to do a first look and private vows away from guests before their full ceremony. This allows the couple to really take in the moment and be truly present without the pressure of family watching along.

Timeline Freedom:

If you’re planning a sunset ceremony, having a first look means you can get photos of you two together, exploring the landscapes, before your ceremony since time will be very limited after a sunset ceremony.

Settle Nerves:

I have photographed more weddings than I can count, and over the years I’ve realized the majority of pre-wedding anxiety happens before the couple has seen each other. As soon as you see your partner on your wedding day, the nerves and anxiety seem to melt away and it allows you to soak in the day! Having a first look means you can get over those nerves faster and really appreciate that moment.

Refocus Attention on You Two:

It can be a really special moment at the beginning of your elopement day to focus on you and your partner away from everyone else. Starting your elopement day with such a special moment focused on just you and your partner focus your attention on that and tends to assure that notion throughout the entire day. This day is all about you two! 

Reasons you may not want to do a first look:

First looks aren’t for everyone, and sometimes it may not make sense to include them for certain timelines. Remember, your elopement day is all about you so you can pick and choose what you want to include.

You’re Getting Ready Together:

If you’re getting ready together, a first look is pretty pointless. But, getting ready together can be an extremely meaningful and spectacular experience to include on your wedding day. Imagine waking up next to the love of your life, cooking breakfast together, and helping each other get all dressed up before you go get married!!

Eloping with Guests:

You may really prioritize your guests on your elopement day, if so including them in your first look during the ceremony can be super special and emotional. And seeing your partner for the first time as they walk down the aisle towards you before the ceremony can be one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day.