Why a First Look Is a Game Changer for Your Wedding Day
The most smooth-sailing, joy-filled weddings I’ve been a part of all had one thing in common: a first look.
I know it can be hard to move past the tradition of wanting to see your partner for the first time walking down the aisle. But here’s the truth: a first look can transform the flow, ease, and enjoyment of your whole day.
Here’s why.
You Actually Get Two Special Moments
Misconception: A first look doesn’t replace or take-away from the aisle moment - it actually adds to it. You now get a private, intimate moment together and the magic of the aisle later, with music, guests, and a completely different energy and different space.
More Relaxed for the Ceremony
Couples who do a first look always tell me they felt calmer and more present when the ceremony began. That first emotional release has already happened, which means you can be fully in the moment for your ceremony.
Photos Done Early = Absolute Game Changer!
With a first look, you can tick off (and in this order):
Couple photos
Wedding party photos
Immediate family photos (get them to arrive 45 mins/1 hour earlier for photos - they usually do anyway!)
Then you can freshen up before guests arrive, knowing all the big group shots are done and dusted. What this means is…
You Don’t Miss Your Own Wedding
Instead of disappearing for an hour or more after the ceremony, you get to actually be there - hugging guests, enjoying drinks and canapés, and soaking up all the candid joy of your day. The energy is usually electric post-ceremony and it’s one of the best parts of the day! You can still sneak away for 20 minutes at golden hour for those dreamy light-filled shots, but you won’t miss the fun or moments.
Smoother Flow
No rushed timelines. No guests waiting around or guest wrangling. No stress. Just a day that flows with ease, giving you more time to celebrate and less time worrying about logistics.
Example of a First Look Wedding Day Timeline
Here’s how a first look can transform the flow of your afternoon:
1:30 – 2:15pm ✨ First Look + Couple Photos A private, intimate moment for just the two of you, followed by your portraits together.
2:15 – 2:45pm 📸 Wedding Party Photos Get all the group shots done with your crew while everyone is fresh.
2:45 – 3:15pm 👨👩👧 Family Photographs Bring in immediate family for group shots. (They usually arrive early anyway, so this works perfectly.)
3:15 – 3:45pm💆 Reset & Refresh Wedding party heads back to the suite to rest and freshen up. Family moves to the ceremony space to mingle with arriving guests.
4:00pm 💍 Ceremony Begins You’re calm, you’re present, and everything flows seamlessly into “I do.”
With First Look vs Without First Look: A Timeline Comparison
With a First Look
1:30 – 2:15pm First Look + Couple Photos
2:15 – 2:45pm Wedding Party Photos
2:45 – 3:15pm Family Photographs
3:15 – 3:45pm Rest + Refresh in Suite (while guests start arriving)
4:00pm Ceremony Begins
4:30 – 5:30pm Congratulations, mingling, drinks + canapés with guests
5:30 – 5:50pm Golden Hour Couple Photos
6:00pm Reception kicks off - you’re already there enjoying it!
Without a First Look
4:00pm Ceremony Begins
4:30 – 4:45pm Quick hugs + congratulations (rushed)
4:45 – 6:30pm Couple, wedding party + family photos while guests wait (or move straight to reception without you)
6:30pm Couple finally arrives at reception - tired, hungry, and having missed canapés + mingling
7:00pm Dinner begins, but the momentum of the day has been a little broken
✨ Final Thoughts
If the tradition of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle is your dream, honour it. But if you want a calm, connected day where you’re fully present with your partner and guests and want to enjoy everything you are paying for - a first look is an absolute game changer and I do recommend it.
Thanks for reading!