What is a First Look?
According to a report from Wedding Wire, 46% of newlywed couples in 2019 saw their partner on a “first look” prior to the ceremony. The “First look” is normally a very private intimate occasion where the groom sees his bride for the first time away from all the wedding guests. This will usually be a short time before the actual wedding ceremony starts. But however new the trend might be it is entirely up to each couple to decide what is best for them and the vision they have for their day, there is no right or wrong decision on whether to have a first look on your wedding day.
Should I do a First Look on My Wedding Day?
To do or not to do?
For many brides, that long-anticipated moment when their soon to be husband sees them in their wedding dress is a moment they have dreamed of for months if not years. How will he react, what will he say, will he cry, will she cry? Although this is often a very special moment, it can often cause stress as it is such an emotionally packed event. Many couples prefer to have a first look away from guests and family, and use it as a time to ease some of the pre-ceremony nerves and enjoy a uniquely personal moment just the two of them on their wedding day.
It is also an ideal opportunity to enable your wedding photographer to truly capture that special look when the groom sees his bride for the first time, which is often difficult during the walk down the aisle when couples are so far apart.
How Long Does a First Look Take?
A first look shoot will normally take anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes and is usually done 1-2 hours before the wedding. This ensures that your wedding ceremony starts on time and you are able to touch up your make up again. This also gives you the opportunity to have the majority of your photographs with your bridal party taken before the weddings so that you are able to fully enjoy your cocktail hour with all your guests. Using a professional wedding photographer for this type of shoot will enable them to coordinate with your wedding planner to ensure everything runs to schedule and that the shot is set up correctly to capture that very special “First look” moment.
Where Should We Have the First Look Shoot?
Amazing First look shoots can be arranged at any event destination but work particularly well for destination weddings. You already have the groom and bride in the same hotel and the location is normally stunning. Whether it’s a grand staircase, a beautiful room, or some shady romantic spot, a local onsite wedding photographer that is familiar with that venue or hotel will know the picture-perfect private spots with little to no one there apart from you and your soon to be spouse.
How Does the First Look Work?
Enjoy it and have some fun…
Talk through the first look shoot with your photographer and decide how you would like to approach each other. Will you hold hands and turn around, shall he be tapped on the shoulder? You can even add in some fun and blindfold the groom, bring some tequila or even have one of the groomsmen dress up as a fake bride!!
Why Not Have a First Look with Dad?
For those brides that would prefer to have the traditional first look at the altar, you can always have an alternative first look. This is often done with your dad or the father figure in your life. They have waited just as long as you for this special day and are every bit as eager as your soon to be husband to see how beautiful you look in your wedding dress. Capturing this moment will be something you will treasure forever.
Adventure Photos
To capture the perfect “First look” shoot, book a professional photographer who is familiar with your destination wedding location.
Contact Adventure Photos—an industry leader in international destination photography and videography in Mexico and the Caribbean. We offer professional photography and videography, to help capture the most private first look shot in the most picturesque spot in each of their hotels.
