Should You Do a First Look? Pros & Cons from Our Kentucky Wedding Venue
Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
At The Barn at Cedar Grove, we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings, and one of the most common questions couples ask is: Should we do a first look? This modern tradition, where the couple sees each other before the ceremony, has become more popular in recent years. But it’s not for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the top pros and cons to help you decide what feels right for your big day.
Pros of Doing a First Look
1. It calms the nerves.
That pre-ceremony anxiety is real, but seeing your partner before the ceremony can help ease the butterflies. Having a quiet moment together can help you both feel grounded before the excitement begins.
2. It’s intimate and personal.
Many couples say their first look was their favorite part of the day. It’s a rare opportunity to be alone, share private vows, or simply take in the moment without an audience. You don’t have to say much, the emotion often speaks for itself.
3. You’ll get beautiful photos.
Photographers love first looks because they allow for emotional, unhurried portraits. The lighting is often better, and it gives your photographer time to capture your reactions without the rush of a timeline.
4. More time at your reception.
By taking photos before the ceremony, you’re free to enjoy more of your cocktail hour and celebrate with guests. It’s a great way to make the most of your wedding day without missing key moments.
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Cons of Doing a First Look
1. It breaks with tradition.
If you’re sentimental about the moment your partner sees you walking down the aisle for the first time, you might want to skip the first look. There’s a timeless magic in keeping that moment sacred.
2. It can reduce the suspense.
That emotional, heart-flipping moment when you lock eyes down the aisle is iconic. Some couples feel that seeing each other beforehand takes away from that once-in-a-lifetime feeling.
3. The schedule starts earlier.
To fit in a first look and pre-ceremony portraits, you’ll need to start getting ready much earlier in the day. This can lead to longer timelines, vendor schedule changes, and possibly increased costs.
4. Timing can get tight.
If anything runs behind (like hair and makeup), the first look could feel rushed. It’s important to have a flexible timeline and experienced coordination to make it run smoothly.
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So… What’s Right for You?
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice. At The Barn at Cedar Grove, we’ve seen beautiful weddings with and without first looks. What matters most is choosing what feels most you.
If you’re leaning toward a first look, our venue has several private, scenic spots that are perfect for that emotional reveal. If you’re sticking with tradition, we’ve got you covered with a stunning ceremony site that delivers that unforgettable aisle moment.
Need Help Planning Your Kentucky Wedding?
We’d love to help you bring your day to life, whether it includes a first look or not. 👉 Contact us today, email amy@barnatcedargrove.com, or call/text (270) 378-1915 to schedule your private tour and explore our wedding packages.
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country! Check out some of our friends across the United States:
The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms