First Looks: To Do or Not To Do?

The Big Question

At Toujours Events, one of the most common questions we hear is: Should we do a first look before the wedding ceremony? This decision can shape the entire feel of your day. As planners, we help couples navigate this choice based on their priorities, personalities, and vision. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide if a first look aligns with your dream celebration.

The Pros of a First Look

1. Enjoy Private, Emotional Moments

First, a first look before the wedding ceremony offers an intimate moment away from the crowd. You’ll see each other for the first time in private, which often leads to genuine, emotional reactions that photographers love to capture. In addition to capturing this moment privately, it’s also a good time to read personal vows to each other that you may not want to read during the ceremony. Seeing your significant other before the ceremony can also calm your nerves before walking down the aisle.

2. More Time for Photos

Moreover, doing a first look typically means you can take many of your portraits before the ceremony. As a result, you’ll have more flexibility in your timeline. After the ceremony, you can join cocktail hour or spend more time mingling with guests instead of rushing through photos.

3. Smoother Timeline

Additionally, a first look before the wedding ceremony helps create a seamless flow for your day. By getting portraits out of the way early, you reduce downtime for your guests and keep the celebration moving.

The Cons of a First Look

1. Breaks Tradition

On the other hand, many couples feel strongly about seeing each other for the first time at the altar. A first look breaks with this tradition. If you’ve always dreamed of that grand aisle reveal, you may feel disappointed skipping it.

2. Early Start Time

Because you’ll take photos beforehand, you’ll need to start hair, makeup, and dressing earlier in the day. This can mean a longer, more tiring schedule—something to consider if you want a relaxed morning with your wedding party.

3. Possible Loss of Ceremony Impact

Finally, some couples worry that a first look before the wedding ceremony reduces the emotional weight of that moment. For some, seeing each other in front of friends and family feels more meaningful and powerful. Seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle also allows for the couple to read their personal vows in front of their loved ones, adding to the emotional impact of the ceremony.

Our Advice at Toujours Events

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should do a first look before the wedding ceremony. We encourage our couples to think about what matters most: Do you want a private, stress-free timeline? Or do you cherish that traditional reveal at the aisle?

At Toujours Events, we tailor your timeline to fit your vision. We’re here to talk you through both options and design a day that feels true to you. If you’re on the fence, let’s discuss how we can create a timeline that balances beautiful photos, meaningful moments, and a seamless experience for you and your guests.

Ready to plan your perfect wedding day? Contact Toujours Events to schedule a consultation. Let’s make your dream day effortless and unforgettable.