First looks have been around for a couple of years now.  We as humans are all about anticipation, and really you can’t get more anticipation than getting ready for your wedding day. Brides.com describes a first look as “when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day.”  This intimate moment typically makes for an emotional photo opportunity. However, I understand how some people might want that first look to be down the aisle, so I’ve listed some “first look” alternatives you can do on your wedding day.

As wedding culture has changed over the past ten years or so, first looks have become bigger and bigger parts of the wedding day as couples, brides and grooms want to spend more of their day surrounded by their friends and family rather than hiding away until the ceremony. Thus the first look was born.  The first look today is used to create intimate moments between you and the people you love before you get married.  Whether that is with bae, your parents, your wedding party, or even pets, first looks are great ways to create slow moments with the people you love on one of the best days of your life. Here are some alternative first looks you might want to include on your wedding day!!!

First look with parents

Your parents have been with you from the beginning, take some time out of your wedding day to slow down with the two of them and spend some time together before you walk down the aisle.  After your Maid of Honor or Best Man helps you put on your wedding attire and the finishing touches, ask your parents to have a first look with you!  First looks with parents tend to bring out a lot of different emotions on wedding days and make a great intimate moment for you as a family.  

Have them wait outside the door of your dressing room or just outside. After they are turned away, come out to greet them!!!!  This will give you an opportunity to have some alone time with the two of them as you get ready for the next chapter of this life you’re living!!

First Looks with wedding party

One of my FAVORITE first look alternatives, there is honestly SO MUCH HYPE when you have a first look for your wedding party!  Take some time to slip into your dress or wedding attire and put on the finishing touches either solo or with your parents or MOH.  Have your wedding party all face away from you as you come out from your dressing room.  Countdown from three and have them all turn around at once so they can all react together!!! 

First touch with Bae

This first look alternative is great if you’re not wanting to see Bae before you walk down the aisle.  Find a corner outside at your getting ready space or a door that you and bae can stand on either side of to have a couple of moments alone together before you walk down the aisle.  This could be the only alone time the two of you get throughout your wedding day, so it is a great opportunity to say some private vows and spend a little time loving each other without bringing down the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time when you do walk down that aisle.