FIRST LOOK vs. FIRST TOUCH

& why you should definitely have one

WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK AND FIRST TOUCH?

Have a first look or first touch has become a super popular part of wedding days everywhere simply because they are super cute and couples (& photographers!) love them!

But before you can decide if having a first look or first touch is right for you, you have to know what they are.

A first look is a staged reveal of the bride to her groom before the ceremony begins. This is typically done about an hour or so before the ceremony is set to begin when you are both fully ready for your nuptials and all that pre-wedding giddiness is in full force!

A first touch follows the same concept, except you don’t actually see each other. Typically you are positioned either back to back, around the corner of your venue or some other spot on the property that you can both be seen by the photographer, but you cannot see each other. You can hold hands, read each other letters, etc. but you won’t actually see each other until you walk down the aisle.

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A FIRST LOOK

As a wedding planner, I’ve seen my fair share of first looks (& first touches!), and I have to say, first looks are my fave. They are such special moments and oftentimes the only portion of the day that you can be still and calm with just the two of you.

From a logistical standpoint, they also just make sense. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you can knock out any and all couples portraits, bridal party portraits and even family portraits if you’re feeling froggy. This makes it SO much easier after the ceremony to squeeze in some extra alone time and couples can even join cocktail hour if they please!

So, what do you do during a first look? Well you can do whatever you want! You can read your vows to each other, kiss, hug, dance, exchange gifts, love on your pups, the options are endless! The main point to remember is that this is a time to create all your own with just your future wife or husband to create memories and enjoy each other’s company on your best day ever.

Another benefit to a first look is it really helps get those pre-wedding jitters out BEFORE the ceremony. Typically grooms have a much better reaction to seeing their bride for the first time if they can do it alone without having hundreds of people looking at them, and the photos are always priceless.

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A FIRST TOUCH

But Cheyenne, I don’t want my groom to see me before I walk down the aisle! Ok, fine. I get it! But, I would bet that you still would love to spend some time together and get some of those jitters out right?

If this sounds like you, then a first touch might be more your speed. First touches are really sweet for the couple who wants to uphold the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony because you don’t see each other! Most often, the groom is placed on the other side of a door or around the corner and the bride walks up and grabs his hand.

This can also create some really beautiful photos because most of the time, just holding hands can really drum up some emotion, and you can still read letters, say your vows, exchange gifts, pray etc. as you spend some alone time together before your ceremony!

It truly is the best of both worlds because you can still relax with each other’s company and have that big moment when he sees you for the first time at the end of the aisle.

OTHER FIRST LOOKS YOU SHOULD DO

First looks don’t just end with your future husband or wife. You should also consider having a first look with your bridesmaids, father, mother, grandparents and anyone else who is super special to you! These are really special moments for you and whomever you choose to share your bridal beauty with before the ceremony and will create priceless memories for those involved.

So, will you have a first look? What about a first touch? Which one is right for you, if either? Remember, your wedding day is about you and your fiancé and the life you are starting together, so other’s opinions don’t matter. If you would like some extra help choosing if you should have a first look or first touch, contact me HERE or feel free to shoot me an email HERE. I’d love to help you!