First Look vs Aisle Reveal? Pros and Cons of Both!

By Kirkbrae Wedding Venue

Stunning bride with hands over groom's eyes getting ready for first look at Kirkbrae Country Club

You put your heart and soul into choosing the perfect bridal gown. And when your partner sees you wearing it for the very first time, you want to cherish that moment forever. Traditionally, the groom’s reaction to the bride happens the moment she walks down the aisle. However, some couples nowadays opt for a first look before the ceremony rather than saving the big reveal for the aisle.

Which one should you choose for your wedding day? Discover the aisle walks and first look pros and cons below, courtesy of Kirkbrae’s wedding experts!

What is an Aisle Reveal?

An “aisle reveal” is the moment when the groom first sees the bride as she walks down the aisle (or any partner who chooses an aisle walk!)

The tradition of an aisle reveal dates back to arranged marriages, when the bride and groom wouldn’t lay eyes on each other until the wedding ceremony. Nowadays, the tradition of an aisle reveal is more of a photo-op than anything else. Catching your fiancé’s reaction on camera can inspire laughter, tears, and all the warm fuzzies.

The pros of an aisle reveal include perks such as:

Preserve traditions: An aisle reveal keeps your wedding day by-the-book, ideal if you want to preserve the same traditions as your parents or grandparents.
Builds anticipation: Since you and your fiancé won’t see each other until this big moment, it makes your pre-ceremony hype that much more exciting.
Share with your guests: When your reveal happens on the aisle, you share that moment with all your guests. Your closest family members and best friends will all see you at the same moment as your partner.

However, going the traditional route can also have drawbacks. Cons of an aisle reveal can include:

Loss of privacy: Going the traditional route means you and your partner won’t get any time to yourselves before the ceremony. Having your first look in front of guests might also add pressure to perform. Not exactly an introverted couple’s dream
Timing: When you save the “big reveal” for the ceremony, you won’t have a chance to take portraits together beforehand. You’ll take all your wedding photos after the ceremony, which can feel overwhelming.
Cultural Connotations: If you’re not wild about the old-fashioned symbolism of being “given away” at the altar, an aisle reveal might not feel right for your ceremony.

Bride and groom sharing a kiss in front of a white rolls royce after an aisle reveal wedding at Kirkbrae country Club

What is a First Look?

Today, more and more couples are foregoing the aisle reveal for a new wedding trend called a “first look.” With a first look, you and your partner will meet briefly before the ceremony to see each other in all your wedding finery

Your wedding photographer will usually be along to capture the moment on film, resulting in sweet couple’s photos without the pressure of a crowd

Some of the biggest pros of a first look include:

More Intimate: Between greeting guests, snapping photos, and other wedding day responsibilities, you and your partner will barely get a moment to yourselves. A first look gives you the opportunity for a quick, private moment just for the two of you (and your photographer!)
First Look Photos: After exchanging first looks, you can use the opportunity to snap couples’ portraits before your ceremony. Splitting first look photos from family group photos can split out your photography sessions and give you more breathing room.
Soothes Anxiety: If you’re full of pre-wedding jitters, a quick, quiet moment to yourselves can take the pressure away and leave you feeling confident for the ceremony.

Of course, no trend comes without cons. Reasons not to do an aisle walk can include:

Less Traditional: If you’re a stickler for tradition, you might regret foregoing a classic moment in your wedding ceremony
Changes the Vibe of the Aisle: Seeing your partner before the ceremony can take pressure off the aisle walk. But for some couples, it might also take away the emotional impact of walking down the aisle.
Touch-ups: Emotions can run high at a first look. But if you get teary, you might need a makeup touch-up before even setting foot on the wedding aisle

What Time Should you do the First Look?

If you choose to do a first look, allotting at least an hour before your ceremony gives you ample time to share the moment and have time to spare before the big moment

How Long Does a First Look Last?

A first look typically lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many portrait photos you want to snap!

How to Decide Between a First Look or an Aisle Reveal

So, which option is right for your wedding? That depends on your biggest priorities.

If you love classic wedding traditions and want your wedding ceremony to have all your biggest moments, an aisle reveal may be the right choice. Meanwhile, if you prefer privacy or want to take a breather before your ceremony, a first look might be the better fit.

You can also look to your wedding venue for cues. For example, if your ceremony will take place in a chapel with grand front doors, an aisle reveal can play up the drama of the wedding ceremony entrance. Meanwhile, a first look might be a better fit for an outdoor ceremony, where guests and the groom might be able to spot the bride before she makes it to the aisle.

The Best Wedding Venues in Rhode Island for Memorable Bride and Groom Photos

Whether you decide to do a first look or save it all for the aisle, Kirkbrae Country Club will make every moment of your wedding sparkle

As one of the best wedding venues in Rhode Island, our indoor and outdoor spaces are always picture-perfect. Our on-staff wedding planners will help you curate a wedding day that blows your expectations away. All you have to do is bring tissues