Should You Do a First Look? Let’s Talk About It.
One of the biggest questions couples ask during wedding planning is:
“Should we do a first look… or wait until the ceremony?”
There’s no wrong answer — truly.
Some couples dream of that classic moment walking down the aisle. Others want to spend more of their day together and keep things relaxed and unrushed.
But after photographing many weddings, I’ve started to notice a pattern — especially with couples who want to join their cocktail hour and spend more of the day actually with their guests.
So let’s break it down honestly, clearly, and from the perspective of someone who’s there for every minute of your timeline.
1. If You Want to Be Part of Your Cocktail Hour… a First Look Is Your Best Friend
This is the biggest one.
Even with a full hour for cocktails, here’s what often happens:
Ceremony ends
Family portraits begin (and these almost always take longer than expected)
Then bridal party photos
Then it’s time for your couple portraits
And by this point? Time is nearly gone
It is completely normal for couple portraits — one of the MOST important sets of images of the day — to get cut down to 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes less.
A first look gives you breathing room.
It gives you space to slow down and create a variety of beautiful images without feeling like you’re racing the clock or missing your party.
2. A First Look Helps When You Have a Long Family Photo List
If you know your family portrait list is on the larger side (or includes elderly grandparents or lots of combinations), it’s wise to prepare for extra time.
A first look lets us:
Do your sibling photos
Parent photos
Full bridal party
And sometimes even immediate family photos
before the ceremony even starts.
That means after the ceremony, you’re not trapped in a long portrait block while your guests are eating appetizers without you.
3. Fresh Hair and Makeup = You at Your Best
This one is simple but important.
By the time the ceremony is over:
Makeup has settled
The excitement (and maybe the tears!) has happened
Hair might need a touch-up
The wind, the heat, or humidity may not be on your side
A first look happens when everything is fresh, polished, and perfectly in place.
If you’re investing in hair and makeup, using that window of time for portraits just makes sense.
4. Less Stress, More Time Together
I’ve never had a couple say,
“I wish we hadn’t done a first look.”
But I have had couples say,
“I wish we had more time together for photos,”
or
“I felt rushed after the ceremony.”
The first look truly sets the tone for a calmer day.
You get to hold each other, breathe, talk, laugh, and shake off the nerves before you walk down the aisle.
So… Should You Do a First Look?
If:
You want to enjoy cocktail hour
You want a variety of beautiful couple portraits
You have a large family photo list
You want photos while makeup and hair are fresh
You want a calmer, less rushed timeline
…then yes — a first look is absolutely worth considering.
If your heart is set on the aisle moment, that is still 100% valid and beautiful.
But understanding the timeline reality helps you choose what matters most to you: unrushed photos, more time with guests, or a traditional reveal.
And whatever you choose — I’m here to help you build the timeline that supports your day, your vision, and your priorities.
