Seeing your partner for the first time on your wedding day. It’s the moment you’ve both been dreaming of and one of the most highly anticipated experiences of your wedding. RiverStone knows how meaningful that moment should be, and putting some thought into the setup of your rendezvous will help ensure that it is every bit as special as you hoped.
There are a number of options for how to approach the big reveal. Traditionally, couples get their first glimpses of one another during the walk down the aisle. However, the number of couples who are choosing to do a first look prior to ceremony time is on the rise! RiverStone thinks both options are pretty special; so let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of first looks.
Pros of a First Look:
Intimate Moments
This might be the only chance the two of you get to be alone during your wedding. And the benefits of this alone time can be huge.
- Peace of Mind If you are especially nervous, taking a few minutes to connect with your significant other can do wonders for your peace of mind!
- Gifts & Love Letters Time together before the ceremony gives you an opportunity to share personal love letters and gifts with one another before you exchange your vows publically.
- Privacy The privacy of the moment frees you up to be more open with your emotions as a couple. This is such a special time, and many people prefer not to be at the center of attention as they experience it.
Great Photo Ops
Photographers often gush about shooting first looks because they love capturing sincere emotion in an unrushed, up close and personal manner. If you are on the fence about whether or not to do a first look, talk to your photographer(s). They should be able to offer some valuable insight as you make this decision.
Eases Your Post-Ceremony Timeline
Choosing to see your future spouse before the ceremony will free you up to begin taking couple’s and wedding party photos before you walk down the aisle. This will alleviate lag time between ceremony and reception, and you might even be able to attend cocktail hour with your guests!
Cons of a First Look:
Non-traditional
Doing a first look is not the traditional approach, and breaking the mold presents some unique factors to consider.
- Opinionated Guests Some of your friends andfamily members may feel the need vocalize concerns about your choice. They might claim that it is bad luck to see one another before your ceremony. We recommend that you spend time talking with your fiancé about your desires for this moment. Do you want to carve out that time together before the ceremony, or are you more excited about the time-honored anticipation of having your first look across the aisle? Ultimately, you need to decide what works best for the two of you!
- “Altar-ed” Experience? How will doing a first look affect your walk down the aisle? Will the moment you lock eyes at the altar be less impactful if you have already seen one another that day? We have asked many of our grooms these very questions, and their answers have been consistent. Even with a first look, the moment when you see the love of your life walking down the aisle is wonderful, unique, and special.
Speeds Up Your Daytime Routine
Scheduling a first look prior to ceremony time means you will have to be dressed and ready earlier in the day. Make sure that you consider this as you plan the your daytime routine.
Whether you choose to do a first look or not, the moment you see your future spouse on the day of your wedding will be special. Take time to treasure the experience together!
