Traditions surrounding weddings tend to change from one generation to the next. Once, it was commonplace for engaged couples to live apart before marriage. Now, a majority of people prefer sharing a residence before making the commitment to wed. Interestingly, some traditions linger even when the specific purpose of the ritual has long been forgotten. If you’ve been debating doing a first look before your wedding, it can be interesting to learn more about the origins of the custom. Find the perfect decision for your big day with these tips.
What Is the First Look?
A first look is defined as the moment before a wedding ceremony when the couple sees each other for the first time. Usually, it takes place right before walking down the aisle to commence the ceremony. The tradition goes back to customs surrounding arranged marriages. To reduce the odds of someone backing out of a union at the last moment, couples were kept separate as long as possible. In more recent decades, the first look acted as a private moment for the couple to see each other in their wedding outfits before the rush of the nuptial events began.
Nowadays, the first look has turned into an entirely different project altogether. Couples will sometimes present themselves together before their bridesmaids and groomsmen as part of a “mini reveal.” Since wedding guests won’t be shouting words of encouragement during the ceremony, revealing your look to your party before the ceremony begins gives you the opportunity to hype yourself up and feel confident in your appearance.
The First Look Photos
While the first look often takes place immediately before entering into the ceremony, this isn’t the only way to go about things. In order to reduce how many tasks they need to complete during the reception, many couples will opt to take their wedding photos before the ceremony even begins. These days, photographers are able to edit pictures faster than ever before. If you take some photos before the ceremony, your photo team could have them ready to be displayed in a slideshow by the time your guests get to the venue for the reception.
The Wedding Jitters
Though it can seem like the entire idea of the first look is a way of showing off your appearance, there is a lot more to this moment. Plenty of people feel nervous on their wedding day. If your significant other is the one you turn to when you need to feel calm, then a private moment together might be exactly what you need to find solid ground. Some couples even use the first look as a chance to run through their vows and feel more confident before speaking in front of so many people.
The Element of Surprise
The biggest argument against the first look is that it takes away the surprise of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. If you’re looking forward to seeing the look of awe on your partner’s face when you enter the venue, then it makes more sense to forego the first look. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what you feel most comfortable with. This is your big day, and you can enjoy the rituals as you see fit.
The Perfect Picture
On the topic of photos again, a first look also provides an opportunity for some lovely candid shots. In order to keep the mood personal, arrange for your photographer to snap some shots of your moment from a distance. Unlike the staged pictures you’ll take together in your outfits, these shots will act as a beautiful reminder of how you felt when you saw each other.
Though the reason for the ritual has changed frequently over time, the first look remains a popular option for couples to this very day. Make a decision based on what makes you feel most comfortable, and put together an event that perfectly reflects your personality.
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