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If you're new to weddings, you might come across the phrase 'first look' being thrown about, and have no clue what it actually means, or maybe you have some idea but would like more details on where it fits into your day or how it works... Well, we've got you covered.
First looks are always incredibly emotional to capture and we feel so privileged to be there for those gorgeous, authentic moments between you and your loved ones. We'll always chat to you about whether you'd like one during our pre-wedding consultation, but for now, let's break down what they actually are...
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2. WHAT IS IT?
The term 'first look' simply means the first moment someone in particular sees you for the first time, once you're all ready for your wedding ceremony.
The 'someone' you'd like to do a first look with can really vary, and there's no rule book you need to stick to. It's your day and these are your memories, and we'll always promote doing things entirely your own way.
The most common person involved in a first look is whoever is going to be walking you down the aisle. This is because whereas all your other guests, and your partner waiting for you, all get that big 'aisle moment' as you make your entrance. Whoever is walking at your side doesn't have that, so often people choose to have a private moment with them first, to do something a bit more special for them. That's all a first look is!
2. WHO CAN YOU DO A FIRST LOOK WITH?
You can have a first look with absolutely anyone you'd like to. All we'd say, is they do take a little bit of time and we find it's more meaningful to limit the amount you do - just one or maybe two with the truly special people in your lives.
Typically, these happen with one or both parents, or sometimes grandparents, and lots of brides like to have them with their bridesmaids, revealing their complete look to everyone at once. We've also been asked to do plenty of first looks with your siblings, as a nice way to include them in the day or perhaps if they're walking you down the aisle, which is always so lovely to capture.
If you've got children, having a first look for just you and them can also be absolutely beautiful. It also gives you a few minutes of designated time and some space to be together, just you and them, before you walk down the aisle.
You can even have a first look, just the two of you, coming together before your actual ceremony. We'll write a separate blog all about this soon as there's lots to think about when it comes to deciding whether a first look together is the right decision for you.
Wedding days are emotional for a reason and first looks in particular tend to set us off! Whoever you'd like to have one with, your photographer will support you in getting everything organised and making sure you get that significant time together.
FIRST LOOK WITH DAD
FIRST LOOK WITH BRIDESMAIDS
FIRST LOOK WITH CHILDREN
FIRST LOOK WITH SIBLINGS
3. WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?
A first look happens once you're all ready to go, just before your ceremony. Make sure you mention to whoever you've chosen to have a first look with that you're planning to make time to have a few moments with them before you leave for the ceremony and give them a time to be waiting close by for you. Once you're ready, your photographer/ wedding co-ordinator can either set them up somewhere for you to join them, or lead them to wherever you are, ready to capture the magic.
For brides, we always recommend making sure you're ready to go at 1 hour before your ceremony starts, which means starting the process of getting into your dress/ outfit around 1 & 1/2 hours before. It seems like a long time, but it really does fly by and there's a lot more involved than you'd think! Plus, it gives plenty of time for those candid shots of you putting on your accessories and giving your outfit those final touches, along with whoever might be helping you to get ready.
It also means there's no rush for your first look, letting you really take it all in and appreciate the moment, and you've got enough time for any extra photos you'd like before the ceremony.
4. WHERE SHOULD IT TAKE PLACE?
This really depends on your venue. Personally, we love finding somewhere private outside for you to have a first look, but it's not always possible if you've got guests arriving or milling around and no way to sneak past them!
If outdoors isn't an option, whichever room you're getting ready in works great. Our only suggestion would be to designate someone from your bridal party to try and make sure the room is tidy (or the mess is at least hidden in one corner!) We'll always help with this if we can, but having someone on top of it is a huge benefit.
For the most part, though, it's your photographers job to find the perfect place for your first look. If you've got somewhere in particular in mind then that's not a problem at all - let them know you're preference and they'll do their absolute best to make it happen for you. Just know, there's no pressure on you to figure it out, your photographer will be on it - just make sure you've told them in advance that you want a first look to happen so they're totally aware!
5. ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW?
It's probably best to have a few tissues on hand!
Otherwise, try not to put too much pressure on yourself or whoever you're having a first look with. The whole point is that their reaction should be spontaneous, genuine and totally them!
With all that said, if a first look isn't for you, that's absolutely fine. Zero pressure, guys. Just do whatever feels more fitting for you!
Happy planning!
Amy & Ben x
Amy & Ben x
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