May 30, 2018Personalize Your Day

6 Ways to Help You Know if a Wedding First Look is The Right Choice

Are you thinking about having a “first look” at your wedding? Many brides (and grooms!) struggle with this decision. While there are pros and cons for both, we're weighing in on the top 3 reasons why a first look may or may not be right for you. Plus, we're offering some suggestions on how to get the best of both worlds!

3 reasons why a first look might be for you:

Reason #1:

An obvious reason couples prefer the first look is that it saves their guests from waiting for them after the ceremony while they take photos. By starting your day a few hours earlier, you can get your wedding photos taken before the “I do’s” - which means you can start your lives together on the right foot...by heading straight to the party!

Reason #2:

You and your partner are the stars of the show! This means that everyone from your close friends to long-lost family members are going to want to congratulate you on your nuptials. Except for your first dance, it will be difficult to find a quiet moment for the both of you to be alone. Doing a first look allows for some time together to laugh, connect, and reflect on the journey that brought you both here (high-fives are encouraged!).

Reason# 3:

If one or both of you are slightly anxious people, you might be equally as nervous as excited for the big reveal in front of everyone in attendance. Your first look takes some of this pressure off and can help you relieve some of the pre-wedding jitters.

3 reasons why a first look might be not for you:

Reason #1:

If you desire a traditional wedding (and especially if you’re a little superstitious), it’s a great idea to save the moment you first see your partner until you’re walking down the. This is such a special moment that gets turned up a notch when you get to spend it with your family and friends. Many brides recall that the moment they locked eyes with their groom, it felt as if they were alone in the room.

Reason #2:

We love the first look reaction photos on Pinterest! But if that's what you're looking for, you may have to stop and consider your partner. Some grooms feel pressured to live up to the teary-eyed photos they've seen, making the experience feel staged. If you're hoping for a photo of your guy overcome with emotion, the walk down the aisle is your best bet.

Reason# 3:

With all the planning that goes into organizing the wedding, you may worry that spending time together before the ceremony might “water down” the experience. If you want that wave of emotion to come as you’re walking towards the love of your life with everyone in attendance you should avoid the first look.

We love how our Celeste Tulle Flower comb works with this look. It's the perfect accessory that complements any outdoor wedding!

How you can have the best of both worlds for you:

Remember that moment when you put on a veil for the first time and everything (including the tears!) came together for you? Brides that have found the perfect veil for their dress understand the magic that precious piece of tulle holds. We recommend planning your first look sans veil - waiting until your walk down the aisle to show off the complete wedding look for a big impact.

If you’re looking for a special moment together before the day begins while keeping some traditional values, why not opt for a first touch instead? You can organize a setting where each person is separated by a door or corner and share some sweet words with the comfort of your partner's touch

Sometimes you just want to save the best for last. If that resonates with you, consider a first look but save the kiss until your officiant gives the official go-ahead!

These images were from a beautiful shoot organized by Alana Klein from Alana Swoon Events! Shot in a beautiful vineyard right here in Ontario, we love the timeless and effortless style of the bride and her groom. This shoot was featured in Hey Wedding Lady. For their article on the shoot, click here.

We'd love to hear from you so feel free to hit us up on our Instagram DM's or send us an email to atelier@laurajayne.com for advice on how to accessorize your wedding dress.

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