As a North Carolina Wedding Photographer, one thing I talk with all of my couples about is the option of doing a bride and groom first look on their wedding day! There are so many amazing pros to doing a first look, and although I would never require it for anyone, I do highly recommend it so many reasons! Here are 8 of those top reasons why you should do a first look on your wedding day!

1. Privacy

One of the biggest pros to doing a first look is getting to share that special moment together in private. You guys can enjoy that moment alone, hug, cry, and talk together. You don’t have to worry about the pressure of others watching, and you can take as much time as you need! Many couples use this as an opportunity to read personal or private vows to one another too!

2. Maximize your time together

By doing a first look, you guys can spend even more time together. Instead of waiting until the evening or late afternoon when your ceremony starts to see each other, you guys can spend the afternoon together and hang out with your wedding party. This helps with nerves, and helps avoid the problem of having to hide all day!

3. More photos

By doing a first look, you can honestly expect way more photos! You will have more time before the ceremony to take photos, and then another opportunity after the ceremony for a few just married or sunset photos with your new rings! Doing a first look also lets your photographer get more candids during cocktail hour of your guests since your formal portraits will be done earlier in the day.

4. Fresher hair, makeup, and flowers

When you do a first look, we will take a majority of your formal portraits before the ceremony when your hair and makeup (and flowers!) are fresh. This is especially helpful in those warmer months, or if you are a crier!

5. Flexibility in case of bad weather

Doing a first look gives us an adjustable schedule to get portraits done throughout the day. This allows so much more flexibility if it were to storm or rain during your cocktail hour. Without a first look, that cocktail hour is the only time we are able to do all of your formal portraits so the weather would really have to be in our favor, or we would be limited in our locations to indoors.

6. More time to relax

By getting many of your photos done before the ceremony, you guys will have more down time to chill during your cocktail hour. Some of my couples in the past have even attended part of cocktail hour to greet friends! Others have had a private moment alone with apps and drinks before their reception.

7. Ease your nerves

Weddings are so exciting, and sometimes all that excitement and anticipation can feel a little nerve wracking. If either of you are shy or anxious about the crowd watching you, a first look would be a great option! I know I’ve had some grooms in the past not love the idea of all their guests staring at them waiting for some big reaction when the bride walks down the aisle. Get rid of that pressure so you can live in the moment!

8. Saves daylight during winter months

First looks are SUPER important for weddings in the late fall or winter time here in NC! Daylight savings time will steal lots of that beautiful light we need for portraits. I always always always recommend a first look to my couples at the end or beginning of the year so they can get portraits outside in daylight. Without a first look, consider your options of either having night time portraits or an afternoon ceremony.

I hope this blog post helps you guys think about your options for your wedding day and how to maximize your timeline!

Will you be doing a first look on your wedding day? If you’re reading this and you already did a first look, comment below and tell me about your experience! Thanks so much for reading!

Suggested Blog Posts:

Wrightsville Manor Wedding | Georgie and Cam

Champagne and Blush Wedding at The Victorian

Spring Wedding at a Southern Estate