PROS & CONS OF A FIRST LOOK, FIRST TOUCH, AND KEEPING IT TRADITIONAL
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and every couple faces the exciting decision of how to orchestrate that special reveal. Traditionally, many couples have waited until the moment one partner walks down the aisle to see each other for the first time. However, in recent years, alternatives like the “first look” and the “first touch” have become popular. Each option carries its own set of benefits and considerations, from easing pre-wedding jitters to optimizing the timeline for portraits and reception fun. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide what’s right for your big day.
Option 1: First Look
Pros
•Calming Pre-Jitters:
Meeting before the ceremony can help soothe nerves. Sharing a private, intimate moment allows both of you to connect without the pressure of performing for an audience.
•Extra Portrait Time:
A dedicated first look session means you can have a more relaxed photo shoot. With portraits taken earlier in the day, you might free up time later to enjoy your cocktail hour or even add a second location for more creative shots.
•Efficient Use of Time:
With portraits completed beforehand, your reception can start sooner. This is especially beneficial if you’re working with a tight timeline or want to maximize the party time with your guests.
•Adaptability for Seasonal Challenges:
For winter weddings, when the sun sets early, a first look can help you take advantage of natural light during the day for stunning photos. This can be a real lifesaver if you’re aiming for an outdoor session with golden-hour lighting.
Cons
•Altering Tradition:
Some couples may feel that a first look takes away from the magic of seeing each other for the first time at the altar.
•Privacy Logistics:
Finding a secluded spot for your first look might be challenging, especially in crowded venues or with a large entourage.
•Photo Disruption:
The spontaneity of natural emotions during the actual ceremony might be slightly diminished if you’ve already had your intimate moment beforehand. This might be true for some couples, but definitely not for all!
Option 2: The First Touch
Pros
•A Subtle, Symbolic Moment:
A first touch offers a middle ground. It’s a small, intentional gesture (like a hand squeeze or a light embrace) that symbolizes your connection without fully breaking the surprise of the visual reveal.
•Maintains a Bit of Mystery:
By limiting the initial contact to touch rather than a full reveal, you preserve some traditional elements while still offering comfort and support to ease pre-wedding nerves.
•Enhanced Focus on Emotions:
This option can provide a more emotional and meaningful exchange, as the focus remains on the anticipation and the build-up of the moment.
•Time Management Benefits:
Like a full first look, a first touch can also allow for additional photography time. You can capture that intimate gesture and then proceed with more extensive portraits, ensuring you’re not rushed when you walk down the aisle.
Cons
•Less Visual Impact:
While the touch is deeply symbolic, it might not provide the same immediate emotional release as seeing each other fully. Some couples might find it less satisfying.
•Potential for Confusion:
Guests and family members may wonder about the timing or significance of the first touch if they’re more accustomed to the traditional or full first look approach.
•Compromise on Both Sides:
For couples who dream of a big, cinematic reveal but also want the practical benefits of easing jitters, the first touch might feel like a half-measure that doesn’t fully meet their expectations.
Option 3: The Fully Traditional Approach
Pros
•Upholding Tradition:
The moment when you see each other for the first time on the aisle is a classic, time-honored wedding ritual. It can feel incredibly moving and cinematic, preserving the surprise and emotional intensity.
•Creating a Shared Narrative:
For many, the tradition adds to the story of the day. The buildup and eventual reveal are often recounted for years to come as a unique part of the wedding tale.
•Focused Reactions:
The pure, unfiltered reactions can be spectacular. That raw emotion captured on video or in photos can be a cherished keepsake of your wedding day.
•Clear Sequence of Events:
Sticking to tradition can simplify the timeline. There’s a clear sequence from the ceremony’s build-up to the emotional reveal, which can make the day feel more structured and planned.
Cons
•Limited Portrait Time:
If all your emotional energy is reserved for the aisle, you may not have as much relaxed time for portrait photography. This can be particularly challenging if you’re dealing with unpredictable weather or a tight schedule.
•Pre-Wedding Anxiety:
Holding onto all the anticipation until the last moment might intensify pre-ceremony nerves, leaving you and your partner more anxious on the big day.
•Seasonal Constraints:
In winter weddings, the early sunset may cut short your available light for post-ceremony photos. Without a pre-ceremony first look, you risk missing out on that ideal golden-hour shot.
•Time Crunch Post-Ceremony:
The traditional approach can sometimes lead to a rushed reception if the timeline doesn’t allow for a separate, dedicated photo session before the festivities begin.
Making the Decision: Which Option is Right for You?
Every couple’s journey is unique, and your wedding day should reflect your personalities, values, and logistical needs. Consider the following when making your choice:
•Emotional Needs:
Do you crave a private moment to ease your nerves, or does the anticipation of a traditional reveal excite you?
•Timeline Considerations:
How flexible is your schedule? A first look or first touch might free up precious time for portraits, especially if you’re facing seasonal challenges.
•Family and Tradition:
How important is it for you to adhere to longstanding traditions versus creating a modern twist that better suits your relationship dynamics?
•Venue and Lighting:
If you’re getting married in the winter or in a location with challenging lighting conditions, consider how each option might impact your photos and overall experience.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer—just what feels best for you as a couple. Whether you opt for a tender first touch, the liberating moment of a first look, or the breathtaking surprise of tradition, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment in a way that feels authentic to you.
