To Look or Not to Look: Real Brides Talk First Glance
You’re shaking like a leaf – the anticipation has officially peaked. The moment has come to witness your partner for the first time on your wedding day, standing up in their finest attire, grinning from ear to ear. What could be more dreamy and romantic? It would be bad luck to see your spouse before the ceremony, right?
Debatable! Many people have embraced the “First Glance,” a new(ish) trend that flies in the face of tradition. In the First Glance scenario, the couple reveal themselves to each other pre-ceremony, helping to shake off nerves and maximize time with their wedding party and guests for photos and the like.
The long-cherished tradition of “hiding the bride” actually stems from the days of arranged marriages, when it was considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride beforehand as it might “taint her purity.” The bride was also forbidden to see herself – it was believed that if she saw her reflection she would leave some of herself behind in the mirror.
It’s safe to say that the rigid margins of this tradition have relaxed, and that overall, couples are allowed to make their own rules. The First Glance can be wonderfully romantic, but saving the reveal for the altar is quite special too.
We decided to ask four local brides what they thought about the First Glance. Here’s what they said:
“The First Glance of my husband was the most incredible moment of my life. It was all beautifully photographed, less rushed and really intimate.”
–Stacey, Calgary, 28
“I just couldn’t wrap my head around seeing my partner before she walked down the aisle. It was a tradition I was unwilling to let go of, and we were so pleased with that decision. The rush of seeing her, waiting for me at the altar was absolutely surreal.”
–Jamie, Okotoks, 31
“By doing the First Glance my hubby and I got more time at our cocktail hour and our guests didn’t have to kill three hours between the ceremony and reception. Our photos turned out great and we were both so relaxed when it finally came time to walk down the aisle!”
– Lisa, Bragg Creek, 30
“I am so pleased that we waited to see each; it was amazing to see him standing up at the altar. My husband on the other hand, was pretty nervous and the First Glance might have helped with that!”
–Melissa, Calgary, 32
Let us know your thoughts on first looks by commenting below or on our social media channels.
