Pros & Cons to First Look Wedding Moments
We love everything about weddings.
From meeting couples for the first time on their venue tour to seeing the floral arrangements and table settings—even that final goodbye at the end of the night.
But one particular thing sticks out in our hearts and minds: the first look.
Wedding first looks capture every bit of romance and joy surrounding the day with the two stars of the show. The photos are always among our couples’ favorites from the day, which is why this wedding trend isn’t fading anytime soon.
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Read on for more reasons we love first look wedding moments.
What Is a First Look at a Wedding?
The first look is a modern wedding tradition that takes a little pressure off the walk down the aisle and makes your wedding day a little more personal and intimate for a brief moment.
Instead of the couple waiting until the ceremony to see each other for the first time that day, the wedding photographer will usually pick a private spot for them to greet each other in their full wedding attire.
For many, it allows for a more emotional and intimate reaction to seeing their partner, and it can ease nerves before the festivities get under way. Some couples also opt to exchange their vows or letters to each other during a first look.
How to Do Your Wedding First Look
Like every part of your wedding day, you can make it happen however you want!
First off, discuss your ideas with your wedding planner so it can be added to your wedding day timeline.
Some couples opt for a blind first look, where the photographer and wedding planner will position them both back to back and tell them when to turn around so they see each other at the same time.
You can also have one partner wait while the other comes up behind them or you can opt for a first touch before the first look where you’re standing back to back and clasp hands and take a moment before turning around.
A first look should take place in a private section of the venue because chances are, a handful of guests will have already arrived and the whole idea behind this is privacy. Your photographer, wedding planner or coordinator, and venue coordinator can help find the perfect spot with the right background, good lighting, and privacy.
Some couples use the first look as a kickoff to taking the bulk of their wedding photos before the ceremony so they can spend more time partying at the reception. This includes most of the photos with the wedding party and families, but there will still be a handful of photos to take after the ceremony.
While the first look typically refers to the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time, you can also create fun first look moments with other special people, like your bridesmaids and groomsmen or a special family member. These typically happen in your private suite and don’t require extra coordination.
Pros & Cons to First Look Wedding Moments
There is a pro to every con, and when your wedding day hinges on timing, it’s important to consider all the options before going with a first look.
Pro: Great First Look Photos
The photos from a first look are some of our favorite ones from the whole wedding day. We love seeing the ease and pure elation on the faces of every bride and groom in this moment where they know it’s just the two of them.
Con: Everything Has to Be Done Earlier
Especially if your first look leads into more wedding photos, you and your wedding party and family will need to be fully ready to go hours earlier. And if you’re having a mid-afternoon wedding, it means a very early and long day for you and your crew.
Pro: More Time at the Reception
After your ceremony, all the nerves are gone and you are ready to party! Taking the bulk of your wedding photos before the ceremony saves so much time so you can get the reception started ASAP.
Con: Will the Lighting Be Right?
When you plan your wedding start time, you’re thinking about what the lighting will be during the ceremony and you’re probably planning for the ceremony to have the most perfect lighting of the day. So that means the natural lighting during your first look might not be so great.
A counterpoint here is if you’re planning an indoor ceremony, lighting may not be top of mind anyway.
Pro: You and Your Partner Get Some 1-on-1 Time
Spoiler alert: you won’t actually get a lot of personal time with your spouse on your wedding day. You’re being pulled in every possible direction and saying hello to more people than you remember inviting.
During a first look, it’s truly just you and your partner (because the photographer knows how to keep their distance).
Con: You Lose That Special Moment Down the Aisle
For more traditional couples, walking down the aisle and seeing their beloved is the moment they’re most looking forward to on the day. If you’re one of these couples, a first look isn’t for you, and that’s perfectly fine!
Have a Magical Wedding at Kendall Point
Like we said, we love everything about weddings, and that’s why we designed Kendall Point specifically to host the most gorgeous weddings imaginable.
Not only do we have plenty of private areas for a first look, but our entire venue is packed with stunning photo backdrops, and we work with the best wedding vendors San Antonio has to offer.
Contact us today to take a tour and start planning your magical wedding.
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