top of page

Beyond Tradition: How a First Look or First Touch Can Elevate Your Wedding Day

Writer's picture: The Wedding Enthusiast The Wedding Enthusiast

When it comes to planning your wedding timeline, one of the most pivotal decisions you'll make is whether or not to include a “first look.” If you’re unfamiliar, a first look is an intimate, private moment where you and your partner see each other before the ceremony. For some couples, sticking to tradition and waiting until the ceremony to see each other feels right. For others, a first look provides a beautiful, stress-relieving start to their day. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons, with a nudge toward why a first look may be a game-changer for your wedding timeline, especially from a photographer’s perspective.


The Pros of Doing a First Look

Maximizes Your Photography Timeline

One of the biggest perks of a first look is that it streamlines your wedding day photography timeline. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you free up time to get through a significant portion of your photos earlier in the day. This is huge because it means your photographer can capture family portraits, bridal party shots, and even some couples' portraits before guests arrive for the ceremony. Without a first look, all these photos must be squeezed into the cocktail hour, which is often not enough time to capture everything you’d like without rushing.


Reduces Stress and Nerves

Seeing each other before the ceremony can be a surprisingly powerful moment to calm your nerves. Many couples find that sharing this intimate moment helps them feel grounded and centered, giving them a chance to soak in the excitement and emotions of the day together. It’s a beautiful opportunity to connect, share a few private words, and maybe even get a tear or two out of the way before walking down the aisle!


Enjoys More Time with Your Guests

With so many of your photos done pre-ceremony, you’ll be free to join cocktail hour with your guests after saying, "I do." Instead of being whisked away for photos right after the ceremony, you’ll have more time to mingle, grab a drink, and soak up those first precious moments as newlyweds. Your guests will appreciate seeing you earlier, and you’ll get to enjoy all the energy and love right from the start.


Captures Beautiful, Private Moments

The first look is a magical time when it’s just the two of you, capturing raw emotions that might be harder to experience with everyone watching at the ceremony. This private moment often allows your photographer to capture heartfelt reactions, tears, laughter, and genuine connection in a setting that feels relaxed and intimate. You’ll likely treasure these photos just as much as any other from the day.


The Cons of Doing a First Look

Breaks Tradition

If you’re someone who holds tightly to wedding traditions, the idea of a first look might feel like a break from convention. There’s certainly a unique thrill to waiting until the ceremony to see each other for the first time. For some, that “big reveal” moment at the aisle is irreplaceable and one of the day’s highlights. This is a factor worth considering if you’re especially attached to the traditional flow of a wedding day.


Adjusts the Day’s Timeline

A first look does mean starting your day a bit earlier since you’ll need to be ready for photos well before the ceremony. For couples who prefer a relaxed morning or don’t want to rush getting ready, this might feel like a drawback. However, with a well-organized timeline (which your photographer can help with!), this added preparation time can be managed smoothly.


An Alternative to a First Look: The “First Touch”

If you’re not ready to break the tradition of waiting until the ceremony to see each other, consider a “first touch.” This unique alternative allows you to share a quiet, private moment without actually seeing each other. Typically, you’ll stand on either side of a door, a corner, or a partition, reaching out to hold hands, read a letter, or exchange a few words. A first touch offers many of the emotional benefits of a first look, giving you a chance to calm nerves and feel close to one another before the big reveal at the ceremony.


For photographers, a first touch is also a beautiful moment to capture. You get the excitement, connection, and intimacy without actually seeing each other, which makes for memorable photos and helps with the flow of the day. It’s a wonderful compromise for couples who want to keep the element of surprise but also enjoy a meaningful, connecting moment beforehand.


Why a First Look Helps Your Photography Timeline Flow Better

If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough, it’s how much a first look helps alleviate the timeline crunch! Without a first look, you’re left with a narrow window between the ceremony and the reception to capture some of the most important shots of the day. And once you add family photos, bridal party shots, and couple portraits, that cocktail hour can feel more like a sprint than a celebration.


A first look allows your photographer to work through a list of must-have shots in a relaxed, intentional way. Here’s how it changes the timeline for the better:


Family and Bridal Party Photos Are Done Early: Instead of coordinating family and bridal party photos after the ceremony (when people are ready to celebrate!), you can capture these group shots in a more controlled, relaxed setting. This makes it easier for your photographer to gather everyone and get the shots without the post-ceremony rush.

More Time for Bride and Groom Portraits: Since you’ve already seen each other, you’re free to take a few extra moments for those stunning couples’ portraits. This extra time results in more variety and creativity, giving your photographer the opportunity to capture both candid and posed shots in multiple locations.

No Need to Rush to the Reception: With most of the photos taken care of early, you’ll be able to join your guests at the reception without the pressure of time limits. This is one of the most significant advantages of a first look because it lets you be present with your friends and family right from the start.


Should You Do a First Look or First Touch?

In the end, choosing between a first look and a first touch comes down to personal preference and the kind of wedding experience you want. A first look makes for a relaxed, time-efficient day, giving you the chance to start your wedding with an intimate moment and simplifying the flow. Meanwhile, a first touch offers the connection without breaking tradition, adding a quiet moment to calm your nerves before the aisle walk.


Whichever you choose, remember that both options enhance your wedding timeline, allowing more freedom and focus throughout the day. For couples wanting to balance tradition with practical planning, either option can be a beautiful addition to make the most of your big day!


Comentários


(816) 992-5401

info@cimproductions.com

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

2026 Call It Magic Productions

bottom of page