What is a First Look on Your Wedding Day?

One of the biggest timeline decisions couples face when planning their wedding day is whether or not to do a first look. A first look on your wedding day allows you and your partner to see each other privately before the ceremony, rather than waiting for the traditional aisle reveal. While some couples love the idea of a quiet, emotional moment together, others worry it might take away from that once-in-a-lifetime walk down the aisle. As a wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve experienced many weddings with and without a first look, and each option comes with its own unique pros and cons. In this post, I’ll walk you through the benefits, potential drawbacks, and key factors to consider so you can confidently decide what’s best for your wedding day.

Pros of Doing a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Eases Nerves

Seeing your partner before the ceremony can instantly calm nerves and ease anxiety. Many couples feel more relaxed and present once they’ve had a moment together, which often leads to more genuine emotions and natural reactions throughout the rest of the day.

Gives Your More Time for Photos

One of the biggest advantages of a first look is the extra time it creates in your wedding day timeline. Completing couple’s portraits before the ceremony means less rushing later and often allows couples to enjoy more of their cocktail hour with guests. From a photography and videography perspective, this also allows for a wider variety of images without feeling pressed for time. Maybe you are considering including your dog for photos? Or your kids? This allows plenty of time for those moments without feeling rushed.

Fresh Hair & Makeup for the Bride

Scheduling portraits before the ceremony means the bride’s hair and makeup are still fresh and untouched. This is especially helpful for outdoor weddings in East Tennessee, where heat, humidity, rain or wind can affect styling later in the day. If you are getting married in the summer, I think this is a super important aspect to think about!

Cons of Doing a First Look on Your Wedding Day

It Takes Away from the Tradition

For many couples, the moment of seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle is one they’ve imagined for years. Choosing a first look changes that tradition. While the ceremony can still be incredibly emotional, some couples feel that the aisle reveal carries a different kind of significance—one that feels irreplaceable and deeply rooted in tradition.

Everyone has to get Ready Earlier

A first look requires building extra time into your wedding day timeline. This often means starting hair and makeup earlier in the morning so both partners are fully ready before the ceremony. For bridal parties, this can result in an earlier call time and a longer day overall, which may feel less appealing—especially for couples who prefer a more relaxed start to the day.

Midday Lighting Can Be Tricker for Photos

One of the biggest challenges with a first look is timing it around natural light. First looks often happen earlier in the day, when the sun is higher and the light can be harsher—especially for outdoor weddings common in East Tennessee. Midday lighting can create strong shadows and less flattering highlights, which may limit location options or require more careful planning to ensure beautiful photos and video. However, as a professional wedding photographer, I am skilled at finding the best locations for light during your wedding day. I also always encourage couples to sneak away for golden hour photos-my personal favorite time of day for portraits!

Pros of NOT Doing a First Look on Your Wedding Day

The Aisle Reveal is More Emotional

For many couples, the moment of seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle is incredibly powerful. There’s something unmatched about that build-up, the anticipation, and the shared emotion as you lock eyes in front of the people you love most. When couples wait for the ceremony, the aisle reveal often feels heightened, raw, and unforgettable—both for the couple and for their guests.

Everyone has a Slower, Calmer Morning

Skipping a first look often allows for a more relaxed start to the wedding day. Without the pressure of being fully ready early, hair and makeup can move at a comfortable pace, and the wedding party can enjoy a calmer morning together. This slower timeline can help reduce stress and allow couples to be more present, setting a peaceful tone for the rest of the day.

You Share the Moment with Your Guests

One of the most meaningful aspects of skipping a first look is experiencing that first reaction in front of your family and friends. Your guests get to witness your expressions, emotions, and connection in real time—making the ceremony feel even more special and communal. From a photography and videography standpoint, these moments often result in powerful images that capture not only the couple, but the reactions of loved ones as well.

Cons of NOT Doing a First Look on Your Wedding Day

A Tighter Post-Ceremony Timeline

When couples don’t do a first look, the majority of portraits—couple’s photos, wedding party images, and family photos—must happen after the ceremony. This often creates a tighter post-ceremony timeline, leaving less margin for delays and transitions. While everything can still run smoothly with good planning, the schedule can feel more rushed, especially if you’re trying to fit photos in before sunset or if you want to join cocktail hour.

Less Private Time Together on Your Wedding Day

One of the biggest emotional differences when skipping a first look is the lack of private time together earlier in the day. Without that intentional moment, couples may not have much alone time until later in the evening. Wedding days move quickly, and once the ceremony begins, your time is often shared with guests, family, and vendors. Some couples find they wish they had built in a quiet moment together before everything started.

Less Flexibility for Weather

Without a first look, your photo timeline becomes more dependent on the weather immediately following the ceremony. If it rains or conditions change, options can feel limited—especially for outdoor weddings. Doing portraits earlier in the day typically allows for backup plans and flexibility, while a traditional timeline relies more heavily on post-ceremony conditions cooperating.

Final Thoughts from a Wedding Photographer & Videographer

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to doing a first look. The best decision is the one that feels most meaningful to you and your partner. Whether you choose a private first look or wait for the aisle reveal, thoughtful planning will ensure your wedding day unfolds beautifully and authentically. I am always happy to talk with these options in more depth with my couples. I know this is a big choice, and I support whatever decision is best for your day & vision!