First Look or Aisle Reveal?

What is Best for You on Your Big Day?

Choosing between a first look and an aisle reveal can be one of the most significant decisions for your wedding day. While the aisle reveal is the traditional way of seeing your partner for the first time, the first look has gained popularity for the unique experiences it offers. As an experienced Colorado Wedding Planner, I’m here to help you decide which option is best for your big day by diving into the pros and cons of both.

The Traditional Aisle Reveal

PROS:

1. Unseen Aisle Walk: There’s something magical about walking down the aisle without your partner having seen you beforehand. The anticipation and surprise can heighten the emotions for both of you.
2. Later Start Time: Without a first look, you can start getting ready later in the morning, allowing for a more relaxed preparation time.

CONS:

1. Crunched Photo Time: With an aisle reveal, all photos with the couple, wedding party, and family must be taken after the ceremony. This often means a rushed cocktail hour as you try to fit in all the necessary shots.
2. Less Alone Time: Your wedding day will be busy, and opting for an aisle reveal means less private time with your new spouse to savor the moment.
3. Vulnerability: Sharing your vows for the first time in front of all your guests can feel vulnerable and overwhelming, especially if you’re prone to stage fright. If you do a first look you have the option of reading your vows to each other in private.

The Popular First Look

PROS:

1. Private Moment: A first look provides a private moment for just the two of you to connect and share your vows without 150+ of your friends and family watching. This can be incredibly intimate and help calm any pre-ceremony nerves.
2. Flexible Photo Schedule: By taking photos before the ceremony, you can enjoy your cocktail hour and mingle with guests right after the ceremony without feeling rushed.
3. More Couple Time: A first look allows you to spend more of the day together, giving you cherished private moments amidst the whirlwind of the day.

CONS:

1. Early Start: To accommodate a first look, you’ll need to start hair and makeup earlier, which means an earlier wake-up call and potentially a longer day.
2. Less Dramatic Aisle Reveal: While still special, the aisle reveal may feel slightly less dramatic since you’ve already seen each other in your wedding attire.

Tips and Alternatives

First Touch: If you want a moment with your spouse before the ceremony without seeing each other, consider a “first touch.” Stand on opposite sides of a door or a corner, hold hands, and share a few words. This can be a sweet and emotional way to connect while keeping the surprise of the aisle reveal.

Veil Strategy: To add some extra drama to your aisle reveal, consider not wearing your veil during the first look. Adding your veil before you walk down the aisle can create a fresh and impactful moment.

Ultimately, the choice between a first look and an aisle reveal comes down to personal preference and what feels right for you as a couple. Whether you opt for the traditional aisle reveal or the intimate first look, the most important thing is that you make the decision together and enjoy every moment of your special day. As a Colorado Wedding Planner at Right as Rayne Events, we’re here to help you navigate these choices and create the wedding day of your dreams.