The Pros & Cons of Deciding if a First Look is Right for You

The Pros & Cons of Doing a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Planning your wedding in Indianapolis comes with many exciting decisions, and one of the biggest ones is whether to do a first look. A first look is a private moment between you and your spouse-to-be before the ceremony, allowing you to see each other for the first time in a more intimate setting. While this choice is deeply personal, there are several pros and cons to consider when deciding if a first look is right for your wedding day.

The Pros of a First Look

1. More Time Together on Your Wedding Day

One of the biggest advantages of a first look is that it allows you to spend nearly your entire wedding day with your new spouse. Instead of waiting until the ceremony to see each other, you get to share private, meaningful moments before the festivities begin. This is especially beneficial if you’re getting married in a stunning Indianapolis venue where the backdrop enhances the intimacy of the moment.

2. Capture More Photos in Natural Light + More locations

A first look means you can complete all of your wedding portraits before the ceremony, ensuring that your photographer captures beautiful images in natural daylight and in the locations that are important to you. If getting a wide variety of portrait locations is important to you, you may want to consider a first look so you have the time to do so. This way, after the ceremony, you can focus on celebrating with family and friends without feeling rushed to fit in portraits.

3. Eases Wedding Day Nerves

Seeing your partner before the ceremony can help calm any pre-wedding jitters. Many couples feel a sense of relief and joy after their first look, making the rest of the day more enjoyable and stress-free.

4. More Time for Guests & Reception Fun

Because most, if not all photos are taken before the ceremony, you can move seamlessly into your reception without long delays. Guests appreciate a smooth transition, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the dance floor, dinner, and toasts.

5. More Emotionally Present

Some couples worry that doing a first look might take away from the emotional impact of seeing each other at the altar. While many couples still get teary-eyed during the ceremony, the anticipation might feel slightly different, and you might enjoy that more. Because you got to expierence a first look together, your walk down the aisle might come with more clarity and enjoyment for everything happening around you!

The Cons of a First Look

1. Breaks Tradition

For couples who value tradition, skipping the walk down the aisle as the “first look” can feel like missing out on a significant moment. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing your partner for the first time as you walk down the aisle, then sticking to tradition might be more meaningful for you.

2. Requires an Earlier Start to the Day

Opting for a first look means starting hair, makeup, and getting ready earlier in the day. If you’re not a morning person or have a tight schedule, this might add extra pressure to your timeline. However, I look at this as a pro, too. Even if you’re not a morning person, jitters still usually find my couples waking up earlier and feeling anxious to get a start on the day. But, if all photos are done preceremony, you have more time to enjoy yourself after!

3. Extra Logistics to Plan

Coordinating a first look requires additional planning—finding a private and scenic spot, ensuring the timeline allows for portraits, and keeping family and wedding party members occupied during this time.

4. Rushed Timing and Hosting

My couples who choose not to do a first look, often feel rushed post-ceremony to get their photo to-do list finished as fast as they can so they can attend to guests and enjoy their cocktail hour or reception. This can lead to regret later over not getting enough or as much variety in their wedding gallery as they had anticipated.

Is a First Look Right for You?

Ultimately, deciding whether to do a first look is right for you comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you love the idea of spending more time with your spouse and capturing timeless photos around downtown Indianapolis, The Indianapolis Canal, or White River State Park, a first look may be the perfect choice. However, if tradition is important to you, waiting for the ceremony might be more meaningful.

Sharing How to Have the Perfect First look on the blog here.

No matter what you decide, I’m here to help capture every special moment of your wedding day! If you’re looking for an experienced Indianapolis wedding photographer, reach out to Kaylee Creighton Photography to document your love story in a way that feels true to you.

Ready to book your Indianapolis wedding photographer? Let’s chat!