First Look or Big Dramatic Altar Moment?

You’ve likely heard the term “first look” if you’re planning a wedding.  A first look is when the bride and groom have a private moment where they see each other for the first time before the wedding.  It’s a really special and emotional moment usually only witnessed by the photographer and videographer.  I’ve recently seen some touching photos where the bridesmaids or parents are allowed to watch from a distance!  

So why do couples choose to do a first look?  There are several reasons!  First of all, it can take a lot of stress off of your walk down the aisle.  If you see each other beforehand, you have an opportunity to be alone together with no one else around to just be comfortable.  You can revel in how beautiful each other is and bask in the excitement of what you’re about to do.  Secondly, if you do a first look, you can do the majority of your photos before the wedding.  That means less photo time after the ceremony and you can get to the party more quickly!  

Are there any cons to a first look?  Who wouldn’t want to take the stress off and get to the party more quickly?  Just a couple of cons, but one really big one.  The small one is that you have to be ready, hair and makeup complete, a bit earlier.  A medium con is the photographer has to scout a pretty, secluded space at your venue where you won’t be disturbed, but the big one is that if you’re a traditionalist, this whole thing is a no-go.  You miss out on the dramatic, very romantic “door opening” moment where you see your soon-to-be-husband down at the end of the aisle.  His eyes well up and he can’t believe this beautiful creature is going to be his forever!  You can’t wait to get up to him and have him take in all your beauty and have your dad present you to him!  Are you excited yet?

What do we at Altar Ego Weddings suggest?  We will orchestrate whichever one you prefer!  We’re seeing a trend back to the more traditional “not seeing each other before the altar” attitude.  If that’s your wish, we will make sure to coordinate with your maid of honor and best man to make sure you are kept a secret all day long until the big unveiling.  If you want a first look, we will work with your hair and makeup artists and photographer to help the logistics of your special, private moment work.  I, Jen, the owner of Altar Ego Weddings, went the traditional route almost 13 years ago (May 31, 2003!).  Our Austin wedding planner, Molli, just got married on April 1, 2016 and they did a first look.  You, however, should do whatever you’d like, sweet bride!  We believe each wedding should be exactly what the couple wants, regardless of trends or traditions!  So decide for yourself and we’ll be there to help you!  After the button, you’ll see some images from some of our favorite first looks!