One of my favorite parts of our wedding day was my first look with my dad. My parents are some of my biggest fans, and it was so much fun to reveal my wedding day look to them. Since I thoroughly loved this part of our wedding day, I love to suggest it to my HN Brides. I know that figuring out your wedding day timeline seems like some kind of calculus equation, and it feels like every time block needs to be carefully decided. While I know everyone loves a good reaction reveal, sometimes it’s hard to decide if there’s really a big selling point to a daddy-daughter first look since your dad will likely be around while you’re getting things pulled together for the day, and he’s likely already seen your dress. Either way, I love a daddy-daughter first look, and here are a few reasons why I think you need one!

P.S. If your dad isn’t able to attend your wedding day, consider a male-figure/mentor who has impacted your life in a great and wonderful way.

1. The Photos!!

   Okay, obvious answer, but seriously. The first time your parents see you – their baby girl – in her wedding dress is sure to be emotional. Don’t you want those photos to look back on and remember? Even if your parents don’t cry or don’t act crazy, there is something so sweet and tender in these few minutes. They are some of the best moments of the day. I often get so teared up during a daddy-daughter first look.

2. It’s Planned!

   If you’re like me you like a PLAN! {Any other list makers out there?!} If you don’t plan your first look with your dad, who knows where it will be?! It might be when you’re passing by in the church or when you’re speaking to your florist. It might not be the right place for such an emotional event. By planning a daddy-daughter first look, you’re giving yourself a time and a place to be attentive with one another. You get to choose where it takes place so it’s not in the dark basement of a building or running into the car to get to the venue. You’re in control of when and where.

3. The Calm Before the Storm

   Okay, so maybe this sounds a bit drastic, but stay with me! Your wedding day is by no means “a storm,” but it will likely be very crazy. No matter how much planning you’ll do – it’s a big day – so it’ll take a lot of your energy. In the afternoon/evening hours of the day, you’ll be the center of attention! I think it’s great to regroup and recenter with your loved ones before the day’s events get underway. If you’re doing a first look with your fiancé this is also the perfect time for your parents to give you a pep talk. I found the time with my dad (& mom) to be so refreshing in the midst of wedding day craziness.

Take a look below at one of my recent HN Brides’ Daddy-Daughter First Look! Current HN Brides, don’t forget to mention if you’d like a Daddy-Daughter First Look added into your wedding day timeline!

xoxo,