Wedding Planning Tips: FIRST LOOK ALTERNATIVES

AMAZING ALTERNATIVES TO A FIRST LOOK.

TAMPA BAY, FL AND BEYOND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: MADDNESS PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s great to be traditional. There is a reason why some amazing wedding traditions still are practices today.

As I said in our “Pro’s and Con’s of a first look” blog I am a firm believer that the decision of doing OR NOT DOING a first look should be solely based on the preferences and needs of the couple as a unit (not a choice made by the planner, photographer, or venue- I said what I said). This being said (pun intended), I wanted to provide you with alternatives to a bride and groom first first look so you can make an informed decision on what works best for you two.   

the bride is alone and reading a letter and opening a gift from the wedding
  • Exchange letters or gifts: You can exchange letters or small gifts with each other before the ceremony. This can be a heartfelt and personal way to connect with your partner without seeing each other beforehand.
  • Blind Prayer: Some couples choose to pray together before the ceremony. This can be a way to calm nerves and center yourselves before the big moment without seeing each other.
the bride and groom are standing on two opposite walls so they do not see each other, but are exchanging a "blind" touch and prayer before they start the ceremony
 
  • First touch: If you prefer not to see each other beforehand, you can still have a moment of physical connection. Consider doing a first touch, where you hold hands or touch through a doorway or around a corner without seeing each other.
a bride showing off her wedding dress to her wedding party

 

 
  • Dress Reveal: If you like an element of surprise you can to keep your dress hidden from your wedding party and put your dress on in private and make a grand entrance with your tribe!
a groom standing at the altar facing the wedding officiant waiting to be able to turn around and see her for the first time.

 

 
  • Surprise reveal:  If you really want to wait until the ceremony to see each other, you can consider a surprise reveal. This can involve a dramatic entrance down the aisle or a reveal through a set of doors, creating a special and emotional moment for you and your partner, and have your partner facing the officiant and ask the officiant to tell them to turn around the moment you get into the aisle.

FIRST LOOKS DON'T HAVE TO BE BETWEEN A BRIDE AND GROOM

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FIRST LOOK WITH A PARENT

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IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN: FIRST LOOK WITH THEM.

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IF YOU HAVE LOST A PARENT: FIRST LOOK WITH A SIBLING

a groo looking over the brides shoulders crying after he sees her for the first time

Ultimately, the decision to do a first look or not, and which different type(s) first looks should be based on what feels right for you and your partner. Consider the pros and cons and discuss your options with your photographer and wedding planner to help make an informed decision.

VENDOR SPOT LIGHT:

Ceremony: Beaches, Ocho Rio, Jamaica

Photography: Maddness Photography

If you are looking for a photographer in the Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota, Orlando Area, or World Wide for your family, wedding or event, we would love to hear from you! 

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