The question of whether to do a first look is a deeply personal one. It’s undeniably a special moment, but if handled poorly, it can feel staged or forced. Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you decide if a first look is right for your wedding.

Cultural and Religious Traditions

For some couples, the first look is dictated by tradition.

• Jewish Weddings: The Torah is typically signed before the ceremony, and family portraits are often taken in advance as well. This makes a first look essential.
• Christian Church Weddings: In many Christian traditions, particularly formal church ceremonies, the first look traditionally happens as the bride walks down the aisle, making a pre-ceremony first look less common.
• Non-Religious Couples: Without religious constraints, the decision is entirely flexible. Many non-religious couples choose a first look as an intimate moment to connect before the ceremony, while others prefer to preserve the surprise of seeing each other at the aisle.

For couples without cultural or religious constraints, the choice is entirely optional and can be tailored to their preferences.

First Look vs. Traditional Timeline: Photography Considerations

From a photography perspective, the decision often comes down to logistics and lighting. Daylight plays a pivotal role in wedding photography, and the timing of your ceremony and portraits should be carefully considered.

When a First Look Makes Sense

• Tight Timelines: Weddings often run on precise schedules. A first look allows the couple to take their portraits beforehand, freeing up more time after the ceremony for mingling and enjoying the event.
• Fall/Winter Weddings: During the shorter days of autumn and winter, daylight becomes a critical factor. If your ceremony is scheduled after sunset, a first look ensures your couple portraits are captured in the soft, natural light of the day, rather than relying on artificial lighting.
• Evening Ceremonies: Regardless of the season, ceremonies held after dusk benefit from a first look, as it allows you to maximize the availability of natural light earlier in the day.

When to Skip the First Look

• Summer Weddings: With longer days, summer weddings typically have plenty of daylight even after the ceremony. This allows you to schedule portraits during the golden hour—the magical time just before sunset—without sacrificing natural light.
• Extended Cocktail Hour: If you prefer to save the first look for the ceremony, consider extending the cocktail hour to an hour and 15 minutes or even an hour and a half. This extra time ensures you can capture all the photos you need—couple portraits, bridal party, and family—while still leaving time for you to join your guests and enjoy the festivities.

Why Daylight Matters

The availability of daylight significantly impacts the quality and mood of your photos. Natural light is universally flattering and adds a timeless, romantic quality to portraits. Winter weddings, in particular, benefit from a first look if the ceremony takes place after sunset, as it ensures your photos capture the beauty of daylight.

On the other hand, summer weddings offer the luxury of longer days, making it possible to take advantage of evening light without needing a first look. The golden hour, with its soft, warm glow, provides an ideal backdrop for stunning couple portraits.