A first look is always an incredibly special moment on the wedding day. And while traditionally (although first looks are a little bit anti-traditional!), the first look is shared between the couple, you can actually do a first look with absolutely anyone! Adding first looks with important people in your life can be really meaningful, so this guide has some first look ideas for different loved ones!
Now, let’s get into the first look ideas – these are a few different people (and even animals) you can do a first look with, but remember, you can plan this special moment with anyone!
Of course, the most common first look is with the couple – having that moment with your partner, away from everybody, before all the guests get there and the action really starts, really allows you to relax and enjoy your time together, taking in what’s about to happen. You can totally do multiple first looks on your wedding day, so whether or not you do this one, the next ideas are more unique ones to consider adding!
One really fun first look idea is to do one with your bridesmaids! You’ll all most likely spend the morning together, laughing and chatting as you get hair and makeup done. Then, once it’s time to put on the wedding dress, you’ll go into a separate room. Put on your dress away from everybody, and then have them turn around, away from you, before you come back in. Coordinate with the photographer to give them a cue when it’s time to turn around to see you!
A first look with bridesmaids is always a lot of fun, and even if a few of them went dress shopping with you, they haven’t seen you in full hair and makeup, with the dress on, on your wedding day – so it’s an emotional moment!
First looks with parents are always really sweet. They’re most common with fathers and daughters, but you can do anything!
Your parents raised you, watched you grow up, and seeing you on the day you get married is guaranteed to stir up some emotions.
If your grandparents are a big part of your life too, including them in a first look is a great way to honor them and to create a special moment with them! Whether it’s one or both grandparents, they’ve likely watched you grow up too – and seeing you all dressed up on your wedding day is going to be so meaningful.
If you have kids, whether you have them with your partner or if someone’s becoming a stepparent, they’re going to be a really important part of your marriage as well. Planning a first look creates a special moment with them before the ceremony, and it’s a fun first look idea! For younger kids, it can be fun to see you all dressed up – and for older kids who have a better understanding of what’s happening, it can be really emotional and meaningful.
A first look with your dog is guaranteed to be tons of fun – they’re always super excited to see you anyway! This is an amazing way to include your dog in your wedding, and guaranteed to melt your heart.
Your photographer might need to have some treats ready to pull this one off, but have your dog sit facing away from you, then call their name when you’re ready! Cuteness overload.
You can read all about reasons to do first looks with your partner in this guide – but here are a few reasons to do these first look ideas with different people too.
Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or another person who means a lot to you, planning a first look with them is an amazing way to show them just how important they are in your life. It’s a moment just for the two (or the few, if you do a first look with multiple people at once, like both grandparents!) of you, and one that’s guaranteed to be really special, for them and for you. A first look is an amazing way to get some time with that person before the ceremony, and to let them know how significant they are for you on your wedding day!
On the wedding day, it can be difficult to really talk – there are so many guests to say hello to, and so much to do! So it’s hard to really spend significant time with someone or to get sentimental with one person, but doing a first look gives you some time to yourselves. If you do a first look with your grandma, you can have some time afterwards to just spend time together, chat, and really enjoy the moment.
While the meaning and sentimentality is a great reason to do these first looks ideas, it’s also just fun! Whether it’s a first look with your bridesmaids, where they’re cheering, crying, and “omg you look amazing”-ing, a first look with your pup who runs up to you and gives you the unconditional love they always do, or a sentimental first look with a parent, the magic of that moment is just really exciting!
First looks make for amazing photos – the excitement and anticipation building up, the emotions that come out, and the meaningful moment you’ll share with your loved ones, it’s all something you’ll want to remember! All of this should be documented, so hire a great photographer who will coordinate with you to make your first looks happen, and who will love any ideas you come up with!
If you’re ready to plan your wedding day, and you want to include a first look or two, contact me! I’ll be your hype woman for whatever you have in mind.