Maybe you’re someone who’s been dreaming about your wedding day for what feels like forever. If you identify with this, you know how important every detail is. When it comes to your wedding day, there are a few memorable moments that can stand out above all else. You have the getting-ready moments, the ceremony, and the first dance at your reception. There are so many other great moments that happen in just one day. However, one that stands out almost every time is your first look. Your first look can be emotional, memorable and so special but has had some controversy over the years. In my opinion, I LOVE first looks. If you’ve been debating on having one on your wedding day and you’re not entirely sold on it that’s fine! I’ll share 4 reasons why you should do a first look on your wedding day.
What Is A First Look?
For those of you who don’t know what a first look is, here is a quick rundown.
A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where you and your partner see each other for the first time. Your first look is a carved-out time frame during your wedding day where you and your partner can have some privacy and intimacy before the ceremony.
4 Reasons To Do A First Look On Your Wedding Day
First looks hold so much power and I feel not enough people are speaking about it! While obviously I could go on and on about the benefits of first looks, I’m just going to give 4 of my best reasons to do a first look on your wedding day.
More Intimacy & Privacy With Your Partner
Having a first look on your wedding day is the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to have some intimacy and privacy. Many couples can attest that their wedding day flies by. Before you know it you’re saying bye to your guests. You get a moment to yourself and realize you and your partner have barely seen each other! Sometimes, this is the sad reality. You’re so busy with all of the fun-filled festivities and seeing family and friends, that you get distracted and it can lead to sometimes seeing your partner infrequently throughout the day. Funny though, since it is your wedding. That’s why having a first look is the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to have a bit more intimacy and privacy amongst all the craziness. You have a dedicated time just for you two to have some more alone time.
You Can Receive More Photos
A first look is a perfect reason to get more photos done throughout your wedding day. Think of it like this, you are literally adding a whole extra step to your day. Yeah, you may need to wake up a bit earlier and be ready in time for the first look. In the end, you’re able to get even more photos than you thought, just by incorporating 20 extra minutes for a first look. If you value your photos (which if you’re reading this, I would hope you do) then adding in a first look may just be the perfect option for you and your partner!
Calms Any Pre-Wedding Nerves
Incorporating a first look on your wedding day also helps calm any pre-wedding nerves you may have. Trust me when I say this is totally and completely normal, don’t worry. Let’s be honest, the day of your wedding can be very stressful and nerve-wracking. Months (even years) of planning have been leading up to this moment. No pressure or anything – lol. The day finally arrives and it hits you like a ton of bricks. You’re nervous, excited, and feeling all the emotions. Remember that at this moment, your partner is most likely feeling the same way you are. Having a first look helps both you and your partner alleviate some of that wedding day stress and remind you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. So many couples get through this and you will too!
Exchange Vows, Gifts & Love Letters
That carved out moment for you and your partner to have your first look is the perfect opportunity to exchange personal vows, gifts and love letters. This is perfect if you’re someone who cringes at the thought of reading your vows out loud in front of your wedding guests. You love them and all but no way! Deciding to have a first look on your wedding day allows for the perfect allotment of time to be able to share your vows and/or letters with your partner. You are given some privacy for just the two of you without the pressure of anybody watching… except me of course.
Keep in mind that oftentimes during your first look or exchanging personal letters/vows, your wedding photographer may stay a good distance away. This is done on purpose! It can help you feel more comfortable and not have your wedding photographer hear everything that you’re saying.
Reminder: First Looks Do NOT Ruin The Moment
There are many rumors that say that having a first look “ruins the moment” of seeing your partner walk down the aisle. I can say with confidence that this is 100% not true. Your partner may (or may not) cry as you walk down the aisle. Whether or not they have seen you before that moment plays no role in how they react! If you choose to do a first look you are able to have some more time with your partner and have a bit more privacy. However, as soon as they see you walking down the aisle the overwhelming amount of emotions could consume them. They still could cry (or not) and still be just in shock at how beautiful you look. Your first look is not a “ruining the ceremony” type moment. It’s an “enhance my wedding day for the best” type moment.
4 Reasons To Do A First Look On Your Wedding Day
Doing a first look does not have to be scary or a way to “ruin your day”. In fact, first looks are growing in popularity for these very reasons. To give couples a chance to do something new and different and be vulnerable without sacrificing their privacy. They can make their wedding day more intentional and create a safe space for each other to express themselves without feeling those pressures of being watched.
For more helpful resources to help with wedding planning, you can check out this blog next!
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