Being in the wedding video industry, the term “first look” is a term that is used often so it is easy to think that term is common knowledge. However, for plenty of couples, planning their wedding, they may not have ever even heard of it! So I wanted to quickly address the question of “what is a first look?”

What Is a First Look?

The short answer is, when the groom first sees his bride, prior to the ceremony. This is usually done with the groom’s back turned, while the bride approaches. As she taps him on the shoulder, he turns and voilà, he seems her, in all her beauty for the first time!

You may wonder why some couples choose to do a first look. There are a couple main reasons. One of which, is that they prefer to experience that first reveal privately and intimately, without a whole church of people joining it. Having it privately gives you the opportunity to take as long or as little as you would like to enjoy that moment which whomever you do or don’t want to be there. Another reason is for scheduling. By doing your first look, which happens earlier in the day, gives you more time to take photos at different locations without being on a tight schedule.

Should You Do a First Look?

If you are on the private side and want to experience that moment intimately, a first look would be a great choice. However, if you prefer for the more traditional and natural experience of the groom seeing his bride for the first time walking down the aisle, then go for it!

If your ceremony and reception (cocktail hour) are back-to-back, I would also suggest a first look. This way, you can schedule your bridal portraits, f bridal party photos to all be taken prior to the ceremony so you don’t have to worry about squeezing them into cocktail hour. This will also give you the time to enjoy what just happened (YOU GOT MARRIED) without having to take dozens of photos.

First Look Wedding Video Coverage

Either way, whether you do a first look or not, your wedding videographer will be there to capture the groom’s first sight of his lovely bride-to-be! Have additional questions? Feel free to inquire about video coverage or get a quote for your wedding video!