Should You Do a First Look? Pros and Cons for Kansas City Couples

SHOULD YOU DO A FIRST LOOK?

PROS AND CONS FOR KANSAS CITY

COUPLES

Wedding days are filled with anticipation, happy tears, and unforgettable moments. One of the most personal choices you’ll make is whether to see each other before the ceremony in a first look or save that emotional reveal for the walk down the aisle. A first look can be a quiet, intimate moment that slows the day down, while waiting can heighten the magic and tradition. Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons to help you choose the experience that feels most like you.

First Look

Pros

Private moment – You’ll have a quiet, intimate time together before the whirlwind of the day begins.
Calms nerves – Seeing each other beforehand can help ease pre-ceremony jitters.
More time for photos – You can capture portraits at multiple Kansas City locations, like Liberty Memorial, Union Station, or Loose Park, without feeling rushed.
Enjoy cocktail hour – With portraits done before the ceremony, you can join guests right away.
Better lighting – If your ceremony is later, a first look gives you more natural light for photos.

Cons

Earlier start time – You’ll need to begin hair, makeup, and getting ready earlier in the day.
Potentially less dramatic aisle moment – You might feel the walk down the aisle is less emotional if you’ve already seen each other.
Backup plan needed – If you’re planning an outdoor first look, you’ll need a contingency for bad weather - giving you another logistic to plan for the day.

No First Look

Pros

Traditional aisle reveal – You save that emotional “first sight” for the ceremony in front of all your guests.
Later start time – Your morning will feel a bit more relaxed without as early of a call time.
Builds anticipation – Waiting until the ceremony can heighten the excitement for both of you.

Cons

Less time together – You won’t see each other until halfway through the day.
Missed cocktail hour – You’ll likely spend that time taking post-ceremony portraits instead of mingling.
Rushed photo schedule – You’ll have fewer opportunities for portraits at multiple Kansas City locations before the reception.

Whether you choose a heartfelt first look or the traditional aisle reveal, the most important thing is that the moment feels genuine to you as a couple. Your wedding will be filled with countless memories, but this choice will shape one of the most emotional ones. Trust your instincts, consider your timeline, and remember, there’s no wrong answer when the day ends with you married to your favorite person.

Featured Weddings ::

First Look

Couple | Caroline + Wade

Gown | Blue by Enzoani

Veil | Edward Berger

Alterations | Fine Stitch

Photography | Claire Ryser

Videography | Glenwood Weddings

Venue | The Grand Hall

Hair + Makeup | Posh KC

Menswear | Stitch + Tie

Florist |Wild Hill Flowers