To do a first look or not to do a first look…that's the question for a lot of couples. You don’t want to take away the “wow” moment when you walk down the aisle, but seeing each other in an intimate setting for the first time sounds super romantic. So, what do you do? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re sharing wedding first look ideas and alternatives to help you plan the perfect moments on your special day.
Should You Do a First Look: FAQs
Planning a wedding is all about making choices that feel right for you. So when it comes to deciding whether to do a first look, there’s no right or wrong answer. Here are some more details to help you decide.
What Is the Purpose of the First Look at Weddings?
The purpose of a first look at weddings is to carve out a special, private moment for you and your partner before the whirlwind of the day unfolds. It allows you to connect and share your emotions without the pressure of an audience, creating a memory that's just for the two of you. (Plus, it makes for the sweetest first look wedding photos!)
Beyond the emotional benefits, doing a first look can make other logistical aspects of your wedding run smoother. You can complete some of the essential wedding activities, like family wedding pictures or cocktail hour, before the ceremony begins. This means you'll have more time to enjoy the festivities with your guests later on. While it’s not for everyone, the first look at weddings can help create a relaxed tone for the day.
Is It Okay Not To Do a First Look?
Of course! For many couples, the allure of the aisle moment — the suspense, the anticipation, the collective gasp as you see each other for the first time — can be an irreplaceable experience. Choosing not to do a first look allows you to keep with the traditional timeline, meaning the first time you lock eyes on your special day is when all eyes are on you. Whether you opt for a first look or choose to keep it classic, it's about what feels authentic and meaningful for your relationship.
Does a First Look Take Away From Walking Down the Aisle?
Honestly, it’s going to be up to you to decide. Some couples say it diminishes the impact of walking down the aisle. But many couples cherish the opportunity to privately share their raw emotions beforehand, making the moment they walk down the aisle feel even more special. Some couples share that this earlier intimate encounter adds depth to the ceremony, transforming it into a joyous celebration shared with all their guests. Ultimately, it’s up to you!
5 Wedding First Look Ideas and Alternatives
Whether you envision a private, emotional encounter before the main event or prefer to preserve the traditional aisle moment, there are plenty of creative options to explore. From first look alternatives to out-of-the-box wedding first look ideas, here are some of our favorite ways to kick off wedding celebrations.
1. First Look in a Different Outfit
We love this idea, and you can see how beautifully it plays out in the pictures in this blog post (from an amazing Epic Thyme wedding!). If you really want to do a first look but really want the “wow” moment down the aisle, this is the best alternative.
Here's how it works: You and your partner meet before the ceremony wearing different outfits, adding a fun twist to your first look. You might choose a short, playful dress instead of the ballgown you’re wearing down the aisle. Your partner might opt for something more casual, too, like skipping the jacket from their suit. This allows you to share a private moment together while still saving the full impact of the traditional aisle reveal for later.
2. First Touch
Doing a first touch instead of a first look is a sweet way to connect with each other without seeing each other. It still creates an intimate moment and adorable first look wedding photos but saves the grand reveal for the aisle.
Here's how it works: You and your partner stand back-to-back or around a corner, reaching out to hold hands or touch without seeing each other. This creates a tender connection while keeping the anticipation for walking down the aisle. During this time, you could also exchange heartfelt letters, adding a personal touch to this special moment.
3. First Look With Important People
Another one of the first look alternatives we’ve seen lots of couples do is have a special moment with someone other than their spouse-to-be, like their parents or loved ones.
Here's how it works: You and your partner choose to share a special first look moment with important people in your lives. A bride might choose to do a first look with her dad. A groom might choose to do a first look with grandparents or another close family member. It’s a great way to create meaningful memories while keeping the traditional aisle reveal for each other later on.
4. Blindfolded First Look
Similar to a first touch, a blindfolded first look can give you the excitement of being together before the ceremony without actually seeing each other. It adds a touch of anticipation and excitement to your day.
Here's how it works: You and your partner meet in a private setting, each wearing a blindfold to make sure you don't see one another. You can hold hands, exchange a few words, and share a laugh together. This lets you experience a personal connection while keeping the visual surprise for the aisle.
5. Voice Memo Exchange
Finally, a voice memo exchange instead of a first look can be a unique way to hear comforting words from each other before the big moment down the aisle.
Here's how it works: You and your partner record heartfelt messages for each other, which you listen to while in separate rooms or locations. If you use this alternative, make sure to have your photographer snap some photos of you listening to the message, as it’s sure to be an emotional and touching moment.
Let’s Create the Lake Tahoe Wedding of Your Dreams
At Epic Thyme, we're all about crafting weddings that are as unique as the love stories they celebrate. If you don’t want another cookie-cutter wedding, we are the team to bring your Lake Tahoe wedding to life. You deserve a curated experience, complete with personalized touches and intimate moments exactly as you imagine them. Whether that’s doing a first look or finding creative ways to exchange vows, we specialize in turning your ideas into magical experiences.
Our team is committed to making sure every part of your day is filled with meaning and joy in a way that genuinely feels like you. Ready to start planning the Lake Tahoe wedding of your dreams? Let’s do this!
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