More and more, couples are choosing to incorporate a “first look” into their wedding schedule, but what is a first look, and is it the right moment to add to your big day? If you ask your wedding videographer, they’re likely to say YES! A first look creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate moment, gives you a more flexible wedding day schedule, and provides Instagram-ready photo and video opportunities. But let’s start from the beginning: what is a first look?

What is a first look?

A “first look” is a special moment between you and your life partner, where the two of you meet and see each other for the first time before embarking on that trip down the aisle (ideally in the company of a photographer or videographer to capture the moment).

Many couples will wonder--why choose a first look instead of waiting until the ceremony to see each other for the first time? Here are three reasons you should choose to have a first look, according to a videographer.

Reason #1: A first look is a quiet, intimate moment with your partner before the rush of your wedding day.

When your first encounter with your bride or groom is in the aisle, with a crowd of friends and family looking on, it may be magical, but it won’t be nearly as intimate as a first look. There are relatively few moments that you and your intended will get to spend together alone (or nearly alone) on your wedding day. You can choose to make this one of them!

Couples who had a first look say that it gave them the opportunity to spend a quiet moment with their beloved, while also admiring them up close before embarking on a long, action-packed day of celebration. It can calm your nerves, help you to feel more prepared, and for some--you can even get the tears out of the way beforehand! It’s a win-win.

Reason #2: A first look gives you a more flexible schedule.

Most people have been to a wedding where the guests were waiting just a little too long between the ceremony and reception, and often, this is because the bride and groom have a long list of photos they want to have taken!

Because the bride and groom have already seen each other before the ceremony, the first look gives you a chance to get most (or even all) of your photos taken before the ceremony even starts! This will allow you to head straight to the reception, and you might even get to mingle at your own cocktail hour. Cheers!

Reason #3: A first look provides excellent photo and video opportunities.

When it’s time to walk down the aisle, your photographers and videographers will have their hands full capturing the bride, groom, and party as they make their way to the altar. A first look provides a moment of quiet that’s all yours--and you can relive it again and again through photos and videos.

As a bonus, you can highlight an area in your venue that you might not otherwise get to use! Perhaps there is a beautiful gazebo or a strand of lights that would be just perfect for stealing a moment away with the love of your life! It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss, and that your videographer will love to help you capture.

I Don’t Want a First Look–What Else Can I Do?

You’ve read through our three reasons to have a first look and you still feel you want to see your partner for the first time at the altar–there’s nothing wrong with that!

For couples that want to stick to the tradition of saving that first look for the ceremony, you can choose from other “first” options to get those adorable photos and videos! For example, some couples opt for a “first touch” or a “first prayer” to have that special moment before the ceremony.

So there you have it, a videographer’s take on why you should consider including a first look on your special day, or choose another special “first” to add to your schedule. Still not convinced? Check out Lauren & Colin's Wedding Feature below to see how we captured their first look!