Planning your wedding day timeline

When planning your wedding timeline, there are countless ways to structure your day. However, one of the most common questions couples ask me is:

“Should we do a first look?”

My answer is almost always a resounding YES! In fact, about 90% of my couples opt for a first look, and they never regret it. Let me explain why it’s such a game-changer for your timeline and your overall wedding experience.

What is a first look?

A first look is a private moment where the couple sees each other before the wedding ceremony. Typically, this only involves the couple and the photo & video team. It usually lasts between 15-30 minutes.

I ALWAYS RECOMMEND MY COUPLES DO A FIRST LOOK.

First look benefits

Why? By doing a first look, you unlock a lot of benefits for your timeline.

Maximize your Timeline

By doing a first look, you can knock out a big chunk of your couple portraits before the ceremony. This is ideal because couple portraits often happen during cocktail hour, which means less time enjoying your guests. With a first look, we can get those portraits done early, allowing you to dive into your cocktail hour without missing a beat.

This is especially helpful for winter weddings in Seattle, where it gets dark early. With a first look, we can take advantage of the best natural light earlier in the day.

It gives you an intimate moment together.

Wedding days can be chaotic and full of activity, but a first look gives you a quiet, meaningful moment with your partner before the festivities begin. Seeing each other for the first time in private — without a crowd of guests watching — can be incredibly centering and emotional.

This is often one of the only moments of the day where you’ll have time alone together, and it helps you connect and ground yourself before the whirlwind begins.

You actually get to enjoy your cocktail hour.

By doing a first look, we can get the bridal party and family photos done PRIOR to the ceremony, so that I only have to steal you away for ~20 minutes to do couple photos during sunset, instead of taking bridal party/family formals/couple portraits ALL during your cocktail hour. HUGE WIN.

Pro tip: A first look is especially helpful in Seattle.

Why? THE RAIN. If we do a first look + couple photos early in the day, we have flexibility later in the day when it comes to couple portraits. If it’s raining after the ceremony, we can feel it out and go take portraits during a break in the rain.

“I Want Him to See Me Walk Down the Aisle for the First Time”

One of the most common objections to doing a first look is the desire to have that emotional moment when the groom sees the bride walking down the aisle. And trust me, I get it — this is a special part of your wedding day!

But here’s the good news: doing a first look doesn’t take away from that moment. In fact, it often enhances it!

Why?

1. The First Look Is Private and Intimate
   Walking down the aisle is an emotional moment, but it’s shared with all your guests watching. With a first look, the experience is just between the two of you. You’ll have the time and space to connect, express your emotions, and hug or talk — things you can’t do during the ceremony.
2. He’ll Be Emotional Twice
   Many grooms still get teary-eyed (or even more emotional) when they see their bride walking down the aisle, even if they’ve had a first look. The ceremony moment is different because of the buildup, the music, and the shared energy of your family and friends. You don’t lose that moment — you simply gain an earlier one, too.
3. You’ll Look and Feel Your Best
   A first look happens earlier in the day when your makeup is fresh, and your emotions aren’t overwhelmed by the ceremony jitters. You’ll get beautiful, genuine reactions from both of you — ones that are easier to capture without the pressure of a full audience.
4. You Get to Be Present at Your Ceremony
   Without the nerves of seeing each other for the first time at the altar, you’ll feel more grounded and present during your ceremony. Many couples find that this allows them to truly focus on the vows and the significance of the moment, instead of worrying about how they’ll react.

Traditional wedding day timeline

A “traditional” timeline skips the first look, which means all couple, bridal party, and family photos happen after the ceremony. Here’s what this looks like:

• 3 Hours Before Ceremony:
  • Groom getting ready photos (15 minutes)
  • Groomsmen photos (30 minutes)
  • Bride getting ready and detail shots (1 hour)
    • Pro Tip: Whoever is helping the bride get into her dress (mom, maid of honor, etc.) should be dressed first so they look polished in the photos!
  • Bridesmaids photos (30 minutes)
• Ceremony: ~30–60 minutes
• Cocktail Hour:
  • Family photos (15–30 minutes)
  • Bridal party portraits (if not taken earlier)
  • Couple portraits (30 minutes)
• Reception:
  • Grand entrance
  • Dinner, toasts, and dancing
• Grand Exit

While this timeline works, it can feel rushed, especially during cocktail hour when you’re trying to cram in so many photos.

First look day timeline

A first look shifts much of the photography earlier in the day, freeing up your timeline for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Here’s what this looks like:

• 3 Hours Before Ceremony:
  • Groom getting ready photos (15 minutes)
  • Bride getting ready and detail shots (1 hour)
• First Look & Portraits:
  • First look (15–30 minutes)
  • Couple portraits immediately after the first look (30 minutes)
  • Bridal party portraits (30 minutes)
  • Immediate family photos (if time allows)
• Ceremony: ~30–60 minutes
• Cocktail Hour:
  • Enjoy your cocktail hour!
  • Quick sunset couple portraits (15–20 minutes)
• Reception:
  • Grand entrance
  • Dinner, toasts, and dancing
• Grand Exit

Key Benefit:

By doing a first look, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your wedding day with your guests, rather than feeling rushed or pulled in multiple directions.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Timeline

Be Flexible: While timelines are essential, leaving a little buffer time allows us to capture spontaneous moments without stress.

Communicate Your Vision: Share your priorities with your photographer to create a timeline that reflects your needs.

Prepare for Weather: For outdoor weddings in Seattle, consider backup locations or umbrellas for unexpected rain.

Should You Do a First Look?

If you want a relaxed, efficient, and enjoyable wedding day, a first look is the way to go. It allows you to maximize your time, reduce stress, and spend more time celebrating with your loved ones.

Still unsure? Let’s chat! I’m happy to walk you through how a first look can fit into your wedding timeline and make your day unforgettable.

If you’re looking for more wedding tips, check out my The Ultimate Guide to a Photography-Friendly Wedding Day.