Should I do a First Look?

Written By Jamie Fox

Feeling undecided on whether or not you should do a first look? We're breaking down the pros and cons.

Photographer: Matt Stallone

First looks have become the new norm in wedding day timelines. Almost every couple at Bear Brook Valley opts to do a first look with their soon-to-be spouse, rather than wait to see each other for the first time down the aisle. 68% of Bear Brook Valley Instagram followers say they are doing a first look, and 32% say they'd rather keep it traditional and wait till the ceremony.

Pros

  • By doing a first look, you and your fiancé can spend more time together.

  • You won't miss cocktail hour, and trust us, you don't want to miss a Bear Brook Valley cocktail hour!

  • It’s a good time to share your private vows. If you’re not comfortable sharing your vows in front of all of your guests, reading them after your first look is a perfect time.

  • Lighting — if you do a first look, you won’t need as much time to take pictures after the ceremony which means you won’t be in a race against the sunset.

  • Saves time — by doing a first look, you’ll get all of your couple’s portraits, wedding party photos, and maybe event family photos done before the ceremony which means you can relax and have more time to soak it all in during cocktail hour and the reception.

Cons

  • Many couples fear that doing a first look will take away from the emotions of seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle.

  • You have to get ready earlier. We suggest doing a first look 2 hours prior to the ceremony which means making sure you are ready before then.

  • Doing a first look breaks tradition. Not ready to join in on the first look wedding trend? Keep it traditional and do what feels best to you!

What Couples are Saying…

Team First Look

  • "[The ceremony] is still special and you can attend your cocktail hour...Best of both worlds!"

  • "Gives you the time to enjoy your cocktail hour and EAT!! :)"

  • "I want to enjoy my cocktail hour instead of spending that time taking pictures!"

  • "A private moment for just us! We get to enjoy the night with pics being done early."

  • "We did a first look so we could actually socialize during BB's awesome cocktail hour!"


Team No First Look

  • "Keeping it a surprise until I walk down the aisle and see my future hubby at the aisle."

  • "I look forward to the first time seeing my FH with the music playing down the aisle."

  • "I don't think anything beats the look on the groom's face as you walk down the aisle!"

  • "We want to be more traditional when groom sees bride first time down the aisle"

  • "Takes away from the ceremony emotions (the whole point of the day)!"

If spending more time together and having the option to enjoy cocktail hour is important to you, then go for the first look! If you want to keep it traditional, then wait to see each other down the aisle. Either way, the staff at Bear Brook Valley will be there to ensure that your day runs smoothly and will make sure you get to enjoy each moment.

Jamie Fox
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