One of the most common questions I get from couples while helping them come up with their wedding day timeline is "Should we do a first look or wait until the aisle?". And honestly?? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options are meaningful, emotional, and beautiful in their own way. The right choice comes down to your personalities, your priorities, and how you want your wedding to feel. 
Let's walk through both options so you can decide what fits your story best!

02/02/26

First look vs. aisle reveal : what's right for your wedding day?

Wedding

First of all - What is a first look?

Why couples love a first look

1. A private, emotional moment together
Wedding days move FAST. A first look gives you space to breathe, hug, laugh, cry, and really see each other without 150 people watching you. For couples who are more intimate or emotional, this can be incredibly grounding. This also gives you some extra private time. We could do some couples photos now, and some more after the ceremony. This gives you some time to really soak in that you just got MARRIED! (ahhhh!). 

2. A more relaxed timeline
Doing a first look allows us to take care of many portraits earlier in the day. This includes couple photos, wedding party, sometimes even family photos. That often means more time together, fewer rushed moments, and a smoother, calmer day overall. 

3. You get to enjoy cocktail hour
After a couple more couples and family photos, you can actually be present with your guests - drink in hand, newly married, soaking it all up!

Why couples choose to wait

There's something timeless about seeing each other for the first time as the ceremony begins. The music swells, everyone stands, and that moment hits in a way that's hard to replicate. 

1. The ceremony reveal feels sacred
For many couples, this moment carries deep, emotional or spiritual meaning. Seeing your partner at the altar, surrounded by loved ones, can feel incredibly powerful and symbolic. 

2. A shared experience with your guests
There's something special about letting your family and friends witness that first reaction; especially if you love tradition and communal moments. 

3. Anticipation builds all day
If you love the idea of saving that moment, letting the excitement build, and leaning into the classic wedding experience, waiting can feel so worth it.

Still unsure? Here's my honest advice

A first look is when the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony...typically in a quiet, intentional spot away from guests, wedding party, or even family. It's just the two of you (and me, hanging back to give you two space) soaking it all in. You could also use this time to do private vows so you can express to each other how you feel about this day without having the pressure of reading them in front of a crowd.