What should Chicago couples consider when discussing a first look for their wedding day? There has always been the long standing tradition of couples meeting at the end of a long aisle, draped in flowers, for the first time on their wedding day. Like many other wedding details so many things have changed over the years and now couples have the hard choice to make on their wedding day. Do they walk down the aisle for the first time to get a glimpse of each other; or do they have an intimate sneak peek together before guests lay eyes on them? Each couple is a little different and makes choices based on their needs. In one of our first meetings with couples we talk about whether to first look, or to not first look...that is the question. Let’s walk you through some of the benefits shall we?

Photo: Louie Abellera Wedding Photography

Let’s begin with exactly what a first look is. A first look is the scheduled intimate meeting between a couple for the first time on their wedding day. Often couples like to meet at various places across the city. A first look can happen at the Capula at London House; at the South Garden of the Art Institute; or the penthouse suite terrace at the Midtown Hotel. A first look can happen anywhere! Often, couples find a meaningful place to host their first look. The location of their first date or first kiss are always top contenders. Even more so couples may choose the location of a parent or grandparents first date.

Typically a first look is just the couple and the photographer & videographer. The photographer is radio silent and your Event Shoppe Chicago wedding planner is lurking around the corner (hey this is one of the best parts of our job). Your planner, photographer, and videographer work together to ensure everything is timed perfectly. A bride or groom is often turned with their back to their lover and tapped to turn around to the surprise of a lifetime. Your photo and video team captures this special moment and you are off to a great start of a wonderful wedding day.

Challenges

One of the challenges some couples worry about when deciding on the first look, is their start time. Depending on the size of your wedding party and the start of your ceremony you may start hair and makeup pretty early that day. Often I hear couples remind themselves, “they will be up early on this special day anyway, so why not get started”.
Photo: Louie Abellera Wedding Photography

One of the top reasons couples opt for the first look is the intimacy. If you choose a first look there will not 180 pairs of eyes glued to your reactions when you see your lover for the first time. You don’t have to hide any emotions or tears, it’s just the two of you. If you are nervous and anxious this gives you the perfect sneak peek of your forever love before the festivities. Also this designated time before the ceremony gives couples some dedicated time for each other before a long day of entertaining guests.

Another great reasons for a first look is to get some phenomenal pictures around the city of Chicago. When couples choose the traditional walk down the aisle they have very limited time during the cocktail hour to get every photo they have saved to their Pinterest page. When opting for the first look couples get more time for photos around the city along with your wedding party and family photos if you please. The cute diner where you had your first date, the beautiful mural downtown, and all those city staples that would make for a beautiful backdrop to your day are with in reach when you choose the first look option.

The last big reason couples choose a first look is cocktail hour. Couples invest so much time and money into creating the perfect wedding day, with no exception to the cocktail hour. If you choose the classic walk down the aisle you will unfortunately forgo the Ramen station and roaming slider cart you curated for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour. If you want to spend time with guests in a casual setting before dinner and hear the music you selected to set the vibe for your wedding, then the first look is definitely for you.

“One of the top reason couples opt for the first look is the intimacy”

Photo: Colin Lyon Photography

To first look or to not first look is a personal choice made by the couple. There is no wrong answer when it comes to selecting this part of your wedding day. Chat with your wedding planner and photographer to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Here at Event Shoppe Chicago we have partnered with both types of couples and have seen fantastic photos as a result of each choice. First look or not, we work with our couples to curate every detail of their wedding day.