First Look or Aisle Moment: What's Right for You?

If you've been anywhere near wedding TikTok lately, you've seen it.

The first look.

Cue the tears. The hugs. The quiet "oh my gosh, hi" moment that somehow feels both cinematic and deeply personal.

And if you're like most couples, you're probably asking yourself: should we do a first look... or not?

Let's talk about it - honestly, calmly, and without pressure. Because there is no "right" answer here. Only what feels right for you.

Why this decision feels so big

The first look debate gets emotional fast.

On one hand, you've heard that seeing each other for the first time down the aisle is sacred, traditional, and something you'll never get back.

On the other, people swear a first look made their entire day feel calmer, more intimate, and way more enjoyable.

No wonder you feel torn.

This decision isn't really about photos or timelines - it's about how you want to experience your wedding day.

Let's normalize this: couples are split

Some couples know instantly what they want. Others go back and forth for weeks. Some even change their minds halfway through planning.

All of that is normal.

You're not indecisive. You're thoughtful. And the fact that you care about this moment means you're approaching your wedding with intention - which is always a good thing.

What a first look actually is (and isn't)

A first look is a private moment where you see each other before the ceremony - usually just the two of you, your photographer, and maybe a videographer.

It's not rushed. It's not staged. And it's definitely not less meaningful.

It's simply different.

The pros of doing a first look

Let's start with why so many couples choose to do one.

It calms the nerves. This is the number one thing couples say after the fact. Seeing your person before the ceremony can melt away so much anxiety. You get a moment to breathe, connect, and remember why you're there in the first place.

You get a private moment together. Your wedding day goes fast. Like, blink and it's over fast. A first look gives you intentional time together - just the two of you - before the day gets loud.

More time with your guests. Doing photos earlier often means you're not disappearing during cocktail hour. Couples love actually enjoying that time instead of missing it.

A smoother timeline. From a planning perspective, first looks often create a more relaxed flow to the day. Fewer rushed moments. More breathing room.

The cons (yes, there are some)

Let's be real - a first look isn't for everyone.

You love tradition. If you've always dreamed of locking eyes at the aisle for the first time, that feeling matters. There's something powerful about that shared moment in front of your people.

You want the build-up. Some couples love the anticipation. The nerves. The emotional release during the ceremony. If that feels important to you, skipping a first look might feel more aligned.

Earlier start time. First looks usually mean starting the day a bit earlier - hair, makeup, and photos included. For some couples, that feels like too much.

What couples say after their wedding

This part is important.

Couples who chose a first look often say: "I felt so much calmer walking down the aisle." "I'm so glad we had that quiet moment together." "I actually remember more of the day."

Couples who didn't do a first look often say: "Seeing them at the aisle was everything." "The emotion of that moment was unmatched." "I wouldn't change a thing."

Notice something? Both groups are happy.

Because the best choice is the one that matched their values - not someone else's opinion.

Still figuring out your timeline and what feels right for your day? Let's talk through it. Book a tour and we'll help you plan a day that flows exactly how you want it to.

A few questions to help you decide

If you're still unsure, ask yourself:

Do we want a private or shared emotional moment? Would we benefit from calming our nerves early? How important is cocktail hour to us? Do we want a slower, more relaxed timeline?

Your answers will tell you more than any trend ever could.

A gentle reminder before you decide

Your wedding day isn't a performance.

It's not about doing what looks best online or what everyone else is doing. It's about how you want to feel.

Whether that means a quiet first look or a traditional aisle moment - both are meaningful. Both are valid. Both are beautiful.

Trust yourselves.

Wherever you land is the right choice

There's no wrong decision here. Just two people choosing what feels most aligned with their relationship.

And that's exactly how wedding planning should feel.

Ready to start planning your day around what matters most to you? Explore our venues and let's build something that feels completely right.

Here for you ♥️

Your "Yes" Team