Pros and Cons to a First Look & Aisle Reveal
One of the biggest decisions for couples that are planning their wedding is deciding if they want to do a first look or not. There are typically two visions for the first moment that you see each other on your wedding day. First: walking down the aisle and seeing your future spouse for the first time in front of all your guests. Second: seeing your future spouse in an intimate setting with only a few or no people around and sharing a couple moments before the day begins. There are pros and cons to both, we hope to shine light on some of them so you can make an informed decision for your special day.
Aisle Reveal
An ‘Aisle Reveal’ is where the couple doesn’t see one another until they are in the ceremony and the Bride comes down the aisle. This reveal is special because it is viewed as an iconic moment; it is constantly showcased in our dreams, movies, and our pretend games as kids. The guests get to enjoy the magic of that first moment, and the pictures are always amazing.
Pros: The main upside to an Aisle Reveal is the predictable nature of how that moment will be lived out, and for some that is very comforting. They know what it looks like and they can imagine what it will feel like so that can have a relaxing effect. Another benefit to the Aisle Reveal is that there is more time before the ceremony to get ready as you won’t be doing pictures before everyone gets there.
Cons: The downside to an Aisle Reveal is that all of the pictures have to be completed between the Ceremony and Reception. There is always the option of a cocktail hour to offset this a bit, but the average amount of time needed to photograph everyone in the Bridal Party, families, and the new couple is between 2-3 hours. There is also the added stress of gathering everyone up after the ceremony is over, getting them to commit to taking pictures, and having everyone ready to hop into pictures as the photographer or wedding coordinator direct them. There is the option to take as many pictures before the ceremony as possible (individuals with each member of the Bridal Party, and individual poses of the couple by themselves), but most of the pictures are going to want to include the couple as a whole so this tactic only shaves about half an hour worth of pictures off the total time needed. Another downside to the Aisle Reveal is the potential for over emotion, if you are someone who cries very easily under stress then an Aisle Reveal may not be for you.
First Look
A ‘First Look’ is the couple taking a few minutes to themselves before all the guests arrive. This can be just the couple and their photographer, or the couple, the photographer, and their bridal party watching from a distance. Both options are acceptable, it’s whatever works best for the happy couple!
Pros: The main benefit to a First Look is the scheduling ease that comes along with it because you can schedule a First Look to be as early in the day as you want it to be; why is that beneficial? Pictures. Should you decide to do a First Look you can schedule it to be 2-3 hours before the guests start arriving so you can have all of your pictures taken before the ceremony begins. The size of the Bridal Party and families will of course have an impact on the time needed for all the pictures, but a good rule of thumb is to expect pictures to take 2 hours minimum, up to 3 for a bigger bridal party or family. When all of the pictures are taken before the guests even arrive you don’t have to worry about spending time posing for pictures instead of visiting with everyone who came to celebrate with you. There is also still the flexibility of snapping a few sunset photos with your new spouse without stressing about getting all of the other pictures in and missing the reception. A First Look typically leads to a more relaxed day. Another perk to a First Look is that you can spend a few intimate moments talking with each other, reading a letter or even private vows, exchanging gifts, whatever you want to do to make the moment perfect.
Cons: The atmosphere of a First Look is not as strong as an Aisle Reveal simply because of the magic that surrounds the experience of walking down the aisle. The guests love seeing the look on the groom’s face when he first spots his bride, but honestly that energy is still there even if you had a First Look. There aren’t any specific downsides to a First Look in regards to flow of the day.
All in all there is no right or wrong way to spend any part of your wedding day - as long as it aligns with what you both want to do and will create fond memories for years to come. Talk through the pros and cons of each, decide what is most important to you and how you want the day to flow, make a decision and enjoy your day!!
