First Look vs. Traditional Aisle Reveal: Which One’s Right for You?
Planning your wedding day comes with so many decisions—what flowers to use, what dress to wear, what songs to include in your ceremony—and somewhere in the mix, one of the big questions comes up:
Should we do a First Look, or wait to see each other at the altar?
As Christian wedding videographers, we’ve had the honor of filming lots of couples over the past 8 years—some who chose private, emotional First Looks, and others who saved that moment for the walk down the aisle. The truth? Both options can be powerful, sacred, and deeply meaningful—it just depends on your personality, values, and vision for the day.
Let’s break it down:
First of all, what is a First Look?
A First Look is a planned moment where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, usually privately with just your photo/video team nearby. It’s an intimate pause before the rush of the day.
Pros of a First Look
Private, emotional connection — You get a few quiet minutes to breathe, talk, and pray together before the day takes off.
Eases nerves — So many couples say the nerves melt away once they see each other.
A smoother timeline & more time for portraits — Getting most photos done before the ceremony means more time to enjoy your guests afterward.
More time together on your day where you would otherwise spend a lot of time apart
Cons of a First Look:
Less traditional — If you’ve always dreamed of seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle, this skips that.
Earlier start time — Hair and makeup will need to be done a bit earlier.
Can feel staged — Some couples feel awkward about making the moment “performative.”
What is a Traditional Aisle Reveal?
This is the classic moment: the groom sees his bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. It’s public, emotional, and often deeply spiritual.
Pros of a Traditional Reveal:
Timeless and dramatic — That walk down the aisle is unforgettable, and having everyone witness it can be powerful.
Spiritually significant — Many couples view the ceremony as sacred and want to save the first moment for that covenant setting.
Heightened emotion — Seeing each other for the first time in front of loved ones makes for a powerful and tear-filled moment.
Cons of a Traditional Reveal:
More nerves — Some couples feel anxious waiting to see each other for so long.
Tighter timeline — You’ll need to squeeze in all portraits after the ceremony, which can feel rushed.
Less private — You don’t get that quiet moment to breathe or pray together before the ceremony begins.
Our Honest Take
Here’s the thing: there’s no right or wrong answer. Your wedding is a reflection of your relationship and your faith, not a performance. Whether you want to lock eyes privately before the ceremony or save that moment for the aisle, what matters most is that it’s meaningful to you.
At Monument Films, we’re here to prayerfully capture the day you’ve dreamed of—whether it starts with a First Look or a veil-covered walk down the aisle.
Your story, your way.
We’re just here to help you remember it forever.
