Which One Is Right for You?
Are you on the fence about doing a first look on your wedding day? You may have people telling you that the first look wedding timeline is always the best way to go. And while there are many benefits, a timeline without a first look can go just as smoothly! It all comes down to how you set your timeline up, making a few simple adjustments, and of course, adding buffer time!
Deciding whether or not to do a first look is one of the biggest timeline decisions you’ll make for your wedding. It influences everything from when you start getting ready to how much time you’ll have for photos, and even how much of your cocktail hour you get to enjoy!
To make this decision easier, we’ve created a free wedding timeline guide that lays out both options in a side-by-side comparison. You’ll get sample first look and no-first-look wedding day timelines that you can literally put side by side to see which one works best for you!
👉 Click here to get your free wedding timeline samples!
Sometimes, seeing the two timelines next to each other is all you need to make the right choice for your wedding day.
What’s Included in the Free Wedding Timeline Guide?
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Two 8-hour wedding day timelines
- Two 9-hour wedding day timelines
- A version of each that includes a first look and one that does not
- Timelines for weddings where everything happens at one venue vs. weddings that require travel between locations
- Pro tips to customize your timeline for a smooth and stress-free wedding day
The reason we created this guide is simple: Whether or not you do a first look is the number one factor that impacts your wedding timeline. Making this decision early on will help you finalize the rest of your schedule with confidence.
What Is a First Look?
In case you’re wondering, what exactly is a first look?
A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where you and your partner see each other for the first time. Instead of waiting until the aisle, you’ll set up a special reveal with your photographer capturing the moment. It’s an intimate way to connect, calm any pre-ceremony nerves, and enjoy some quiet time together before the festivities begin.
Many couples also use this time to exchange letters or private vows, which makes for incredibly emotional photos and a touching addition to your wedding video.
First Look Wedding Timeline: What to Expect
One of the biggest benefits of a first look is getting the majority of your wedding photos done before the ceremony. Here’s what that means for your timeline:
- You’ll see each other a few hours before the ceremony, giving you more time together on your wedding day.
- You can take nearly all of your wedding photos—including couples portraits, wedding party photos, and even some family portraits—before the ceremony.
- This frees you up to enjoy more (or all!) of your cocktail hour with guests.
- Your photographer will need extra time before the ceremony, so your ceremony time will likely be later in the day.
No First Look Timeline: What to Expect
If you prefer to wait until the aisle for that first moment, your timeline will look a little different:
- You won’t see each other before the ceremony, which means more anticipation leading up to that walk down the aisle.
- All of your wedding party, couples, and family portraits will take place after the ceremony.
- You’ll need extra time between the ceremony and reception for photos, so a longer cocktail hour (at least 90 minutes) is recommended.
- If your ceremony and reception are in separate locations, this timeline can work especially well, giving you time to take photos while your guests travel between venues.
How to Choose the Right Timeline for Your Wedding
When deciding whether to do a first look, consider:
- Your Priorities: Do you want more time with your guests? A first look can help with that. Prefer a traditional aisle reveal? No first look may be the way to go.
- Your Wedding Day Nerves: Some couples love the idea of calming pre-ceremony jitters by seeing each other beforehand.
- Your Photography Goals: If you want dreamy golden hour portraits, your timeline should account for that, whether before or after the ceremony.
- Your Ceremony & Reception Timing: A first look allows for a later ceremony, while no first look usually means an earlier one.
Want to see exactly how these timelines break down?
📩 Download our free first look and no-first-look wedding timeline guide now! 📩
This guide will walk you through all the details so you can confidently choose the best timeline for your big day. Plus, you’ll get expert tips on customizing your timeline to fit your unique wedding vision!
Always be sure to check with your photographer for their timing recommendations—they’ll help you fine-tune the perfect schedule to capture all the moments that matter most. Happy planning!
