Singaporebrides | Weddings 101
April 2023
4 Reasons Why A First look Is A Great Idea For Your Wedding
Learn what a first look includes and why incorporating one into your wedding is a great idea.
While the first look has been romanticised in modern weddings, its origins is less than romantic. Back in the day, the bride and groom were only allowed to see each other for the first time at the wedding ceremony, giving rise to the phenomenon of a wedding first look. However, over time, the reason for having a first look has evolved and today, it is considered a part of wedding traditions for Western weddings.
What is a wedding first look?
A wedding first look is exactly what it sounds like – the bride and groom avoids seeing each other before the ceremony starts. Just before the flurry of events start, they meet privately with just their photographer in tow. There, they see each other dressed in their wedding attire for the first time in an emotion-packed moment where they are able to spend some alone time with one another before the day’s activities unfolds. It is also a perfect opportunity for their photographer to capture all the raw emotions and interactions during this intimate session.
Kate and Tom’s Breathtaking Elopement in the Maldives and Raffles Singapore by Darren & Jade Photography
The origins of a wedding first look, however, is less than romantic. Back in the day, most marriages were arranged, and the bride and groom weren’t allowed to see or meet each other until they were at the altar, in case the groom finds the bride not to his liking and calls off the wedding. Eventually, this led to the superstition that bad luck would befall the couple if they saw each other before the wedding.
In reality, nothing bad actually happens if you do see each other before the wedding ceremony begins. In fact, many couples would agree that nothing but pure magic happens when you do see each other for the first time before the day of events begin. Not only does a first look present the best opportunity for some of the most touching and memorable photos, it is also provides a calm and quiet start to the wedding morning before the flurry of events unfold.
Although it is mainly a tradition practiced in Western weddings, many couples in Singapore are gradually opting for a first look in their wedding for a quieter start to their wedding morning, instead of the more traditional and boisterous gatecrash. Let’s take a look at the four reasons why it could be a good idea to include a first look into your wedding day.
1. Alone time with each other before the wedding flurry begins
Yanyee and Zenas’s Industrial Boho Wedding at Singapore Wine Vault with Warm Earthy Tones by Smittenpixels Co.
First looks are a great item to incorporate into your wedding day schedule if you are looking to spend an intimate moment with just the two of you before the mad flurry of activities begin. It allows you to spend a private moment with your groom as you share your joy and excitement of seeing each other all dressed up in your wedding attire, and for the celebration ahead.
With no one else around except for your photographer, first looks often offers some of the most candid, raw and sweetest photos because your guard is down and your attention is focused solely on one another. Any nerves or anxiety for the day ahead simply fade away as you and your groom are able to fully be yourselves without the pressure of a crowd looking at you and waiting for your reaction.
2. A Great Opportunity to Say Your Vows Privately
Pearlyn and Cody’s Romantic Blush Wedding at Ramada Wyndham Zhongshan Park by Iki Company
First looks also provide the perfect opportunity for you and your groom to say a few heartfelt words to each other privately. During a first look, you’ll be spending a private moment together, without the distractions and commotion of the day ahead, making it the perfect time to share personal vows with each other, without the pressure of a crowd listening in.
You could also use the time to recite the wedding vows you’ve prepared to each other before the rest of your guests hear them, easing any nerves you have about speaking in front of a crowd. It also makes for a deeply meaningful, emotional and memorable experience that your photographer can capture as cherished keepsakes.
3. More Time For Photos With Your Groom and Bridal Party
Shauna and Rainer’s Minimalist and Modern Zen Wedding at Raffles Hotel Singapore by Iki Company
Making time for a first look in your wedding schedule also means you’ll get more photos of just the two of you. Since first looks are often emotion-packed moments of candid interactions between you and your groom, it is a great opportunity for your photographer to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments uninterrupted.
You can also slot your bridal party in after your first look and get your group bridal portraits done early in the day. Not only will you be more relaxed knowing that you have sufficient time for the photos that you want to take with your girls, getting your bridal portraits done early in the morning will ensure that your hair and makeup and florals look fresh in your photos.
4. More time to spend with your guests
Giselle and Sean’s Classic Wedding at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove by Chris Ling International Photographers / Depth of Tales
Getting the necessary photo-taking out of the way during your first look also means you’ll have a less packed wedding schedule ahead of you. Without having to rush off in the middle of the celebration for your bridal portraits, you can have a more relaxed time at your ceremony and banquet, and spend more time mingling with your guests. You’ll also get more time to move between venues or change in and out of outfits for your march-ins.
Feature image from Cindy and Tuan Hong’s Wildflower Garden Wedding at 1-Atico by Pixioo.
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