To First Look or Not: Deciding on a First Look with the Groom or Father of the Bride
One of the many decisions couples face when planning their wedding is whether or not to do a first look. This intimate moment, where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, has gained popularity in recent years. But what about doing a first look with the father of the bride? Both options have their own unique advantages and considerations. At Weddings by Stardust, we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your special day.
The Groom First Look: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Private Moment Together: A first look with the groom offers a rare private moment for just the two of you amidst the hustle and bustle of the wedding day. It’s a chance to share your emotions, exchange words, and calm any pre-ceremony jitters.
Better Photos: Seeing each other before the ceremony allows your photographer to capture genuine, emotional reactions without the pressure of an audience. This often results in some of the most heartfelt and candid photos of the day.
Eases Nerves: Many couples find that seeing each other before the ceremony helps to reduce anxiety and makes them feel more relaxed during the ceremony itself.
Timeline Flexibility: Having a first look can streamline your wedding day timeline. By taking some of the photos before the ceremony, you can enjoy more time with your guests during the cocktail hour and reception.
Cons:
Breaks Tradition: For some, seeing each other before the ceremony goes against the traditional notion of the groom seeing the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle.
Less Impactful Aisle Moment: Some couples worry that a first look might lessen the emotional impact of the groom seeing the bride for the first time when she walks down the aisle.
The Father of the Bride First Look: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Special Father-Daughter Moment: A first look with the father of the bride is a touching way to honor the special bond between a father and daughter. It provides an opportunity for heartfelt emotions and memories that will be cherished forever.
Photographic Keepsake: Like a first look with the groom, this moment is also captured by the photographer, creating beautiful and sentimental images to look back on.
Eases Nerves for Dad: Fathers often feel emotional and nervous on their daughter’s wedding day. A first look can help ease these emotions, allowing them to enjoy the ceremony more fully.
Adds to the Story: Including a first look with the father of the bride adds another layer to the wedding day narrative, making it even more special and memorable.
Cons:
Additional Coordination: Organizing two first looks (one with the groom and one with the father) requires extra planning and coordination, which can add to the pre-ceremony timeline.
Potential Overwhelm: Having multiple first looks might feel overwhelming for the bride, especially with all the emotions already running high on the wedding day.
Making the Decision
Ultimately, whether or not to do a first look with the groom or the father of the bride—or both—is a deeply personal choice. Here are some questions to consider when making your decision:
What Feels Right to You?: Trust your instincts and do what feels most meaningful to you and your partner.
Are You Traditional or Modern?: Consider your preferences for tradition versus modern trends.
How Do You Want to Manage Emotions?: Think about how you and your loved ones handle emotions. A first look can be a calming experience, but it can also be emotionally intense.
What Is Your Timeline Like?: Assess your wedding day timeline and see how first looks fit into the schedule.
At Weddings by Stardust, we understand that every couple is unique, and we’re here to support you in creating the wedding day of your dreams. Whether you choose to have a first look with the groom, the father of the bride, or both, we’ll help ensure that these moments are perfectly planned and beautifully captured.
For more tips and inspiration, follow us on Instagram @weddingsbystardust and check out our latest blog posts. We’re excited to be a part of your journey to “I do”!
