“First Look or Aisle Reveal? Deciding What’s Right for Your Wedding Day”

Whether or not to do a wedding first look really depends on your personalities, priorities, and the overall vibe you want for your day. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide: 

Ask yourselves: 

• Do you want that quiet moment together or prefer the grand aisle moment? 

• Is your timeline tight or flexible? 

• Do you care more about efficiency or tradition? 

Let us know what vibe you’re going for, and we can help you decide more specifically! 

Reasons to Do a First Look 

1. More Private & Intimate 

• You get a quiet moment together before the chaos begins. Some couples also use this time to share their personal vows privately.

• Helps ease nerves—you’ll feel calmer walking down the aisle. 

2. Better Photos (and Lighting!) 

• Your makeup/hair is fresh. 

• You can do most portraits before the ceremony, which frees up time later. 

3. More Time With Guests 

• With photos done early, you can attend cocktail hour and enjoy more of your reception. 

4. Bad Weather Buffer 

• If weather is a concern (e.g., outdoor ceremony), you have photo flexibility earlier in the day. 

❌ Reasons to Skip the First Look 

1. You’re Traditional 

• You want the big emotional reveal to happen walking down the aisle. That moment can feel more impactful when it’s shared with guests. 

2. You Value the Surprise 

• Seeing each other for the first time in the ceremony might feel more magical and meaningful. 

3. Tight Schedule? 

• Sometimes, fitting in a first look can feel like adding stress, especially if you’re not morning people. 

Quick Decision Guide: 

• Want less stress and more time with guests? 👉 Do the first look. 

• Want maximum emotion and tradition at the ceremony? 👉 Skip it. 

If you’re still torn, you could do a “first touch”—where you hold hands around a door and talk without seeing each other—or a private vow reading. 

Still not sure what you want to do? Talk to your photographer – they will have a ton of expertise when it comes to this! Happy planning!

-Your team at J. Costello Wedding Officiants

Photo credit: Rambling Bear Media