Reasons to Have a Private First Look and How to Do It Flawlessly
In a traditional wedding, couples wait until the ceremony begins to see each other for the first time that day. However, private first looks before the ceremony are becoming more popular, especially as modern couples move away from old traditions.
And don’t worry, a first look before walking down the aisle won’t ruin the surprise! There are many creative ways to commemorate your first look with a private moment, so definitely read on for more fun tips!
What Is a First Look?
This pre-wedding moment is where the couple will see each other for the first time before the official ceremony. You and your partner will get dressed in separate rooms before meeting in an agreed-upon private space.
This moment is exclusively for the couple, photographer and videographer, who will snap photos and take videos of your reactions. The ritual usually happens about two hours before the ceremony, so you and your partner have enough time to savor the special moment and take some portraits and family photos beforehand.
Why Should You Do a First Look?
Discover the benefits of doing this modern pre-ceremony tradition.
1. Get Extra Intimate Time Together
Once your ceremony starts, your wedding day will feel like it goes by in a flash. And when it gets to the reception, you’ll spend a lot of time talking with guests and dancing. The typical schedule of events does not leave much room for you and your partner to stop and enjoy the moments together. By doing a first look, you’ll get an opportunity to be together in a quiet, private setting before celebrating with your guests.
2. Save Time During Cocktail Hour
Traditionally, couples will take time during the cocktail hour to capture their must-have family photos. However, many people don’t want to miss out on chatting with guests and enjoying the appetizers and specialty cocktails they picked out. Taking some or all of your family and wedding party photos directly after your first look will save you time later during cocktail hour, especially if you have a long list of shots you need to take.
3. Capture an Emotional Exchange
First looks often make for the most intimate and emotional photos. When you’re walking down the aisle, while this is such a special moment as well, it really isn’t private and intimate usually.. With a private first look, you’re sure to be able to look back on that moment and cherish it forever as a moment between just the two of you.
4. Calm Pre-Wedding Jitters
A first look moment is an excellent way for the couple to calm each other’s nerves before the ceremony. Connecting with your partner allows you to share your excitement for the adventure waiting for you and lets you be at ease with them.
5. Take Advantage of Your Fresh Look
Sharing this intimate moment earlier in the day means you and your future spouse’s makeup and hair are fresh, ensuring you both look your best for photos, videos and each other. It’s also great to capture your ceremony attire early in the day if you have a second dress for the reception or want to lose the suit jacket on the dance floor.
6. Exchange Vows and Gifts in Private
This private ritual allows couples — especially those who get nervous in front of crowds — a quiet moment to exchange vows (or letters) and gifts with each other. This moment can be significant, as it gives you and your partner a chance to express your gratitude, love, and promises to each other before the official ceremony. You can write love letters to each other to read privately before having your first look, or you can read them out loud to each other, either standing back to back or face to face. You can also use your first look moment to exchange wedding gifts. While you might have created a registry of gifts for your guests to give you, you may want to give your partner something more personal. You could choose jewelry or a watch for them to add to their wedding attire or a “something blue,” like a custom pocket square, tie clip or pin. Lots of other options for this too!
Invite your wedding officiant to witness your private exchange to add depth to your big day, creating cherished memories you’ll hold dear.
How to Plan Your First Look
Here’s how you can execute this special moment flawlessly.
Write Your Own Personal Vows
While this is optional, a private exchange of vows means more room for inside jokes or emotional sentiments. It allows you to speak more from your heart, directly to your partner.
If you choose to share your personal vows during your first look, you can still recite them during your ceremony, either in full or a shortened version. If you don’t want to read them during the ceremony, you can keep the traditional vows, where your officiant has you repeat after them.
Sharing your personal vows during a first look is also perfect for couples having a religious ceremony, in which you may not be allowed to say your own vows. You can still recite religious verses that are meaningful to you, such as “Love is patient, love is kind,” while also adding your own personal promises to your partner.
You can also write your vows as a love letter to your partner. You can either read the letters privately before having your first look, or you can read them out loud to each other, either standing back to back or face to face.
Choose a Quiet Setting
Talk to your wedding planner, photographer and videographer to brainstorm possible areas to have your first look. Exchanging glances in more of a private and quiet area at your getting ready location or wedding venue is always best. Most importantly, it should be where you and your future spouse are comfortable. Feeling good and at ease makes you more likely to be fully yourself and present in that moment.
Photography by Aura Elizabeth Photography
Retouch After the Ritual
Since the first look is emotional, you can expect to cry with happiness. Ask your makeup artist about fixing your makeup after the moment so you can still look and feel your best during the ceremony and other photos.
Do a First Look with Your Family
While your family is likely to be part of your wedding ceremony, you may want some extra time with them before the day begins as well. Invite your parents, siblings or any other family members who you would want to share this moment with or often we have separate private first looks with special family members or your wedding party either before or after your partner's first look.
Enjoy the Moment
Remember to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Let your emotions flow naturally — laugh and cry all you want without feeling restricted by rules. That way, your wedding photographer can capture the rawness and beauty of this special moment.
Creative First Look Ideas to Consider
There are many creative ways to pull off a successful first look moment. Consider these ideas for a modernized first look moment that can work for any couple.
Back to Back
Stand back to back with your partner before turning around to see each other’s reactions. You will build up some anticipation in the moments before you see each other. Exchanging a few messages before facing each other is a great way to make this moment extra special.
Cover Your Partner’s Eyes
Another way to lighten the mood is to cover your lover’s eyes from behind. Slowly walk behind them, remove your hands and wait.
Tap Your Partner
Walk to your lover confidently, tap them on the shoulder from the back and enjoy their reaction as they admire you in your wedding attire for the first time. This will create fun, playful photos, as if you’re sneaking up on your partner.
Do Your Last Dance
Hold each other and dance together for the last time before tying the knot. This dance will symbolize closing one chapter before embarking on the next.
Share the Moment With a Pet
Before walking down the aisle, consider including your furry friend during your first look with your future spouse. Having your animal companion during this time helps make the ritual extra special, especially if you’re unable to have your pet inside or at your venue.
Plan Your First Look Today
Make your wedding day extra special with a first look with your partner. These tips can help ensure a successful and memorable moment that you and your future spouse will hold dear for the rest of your married life!
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Author Bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist, where she aims to inspire people to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn.
