18 Amazing Father Daughter First Look Wedding Photos (OMG!)

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Some couples (close to 50%) choose to do a first look between the bride and groom, but around 80% of brides end up doing a father daughter first look.

Doing a first look with your dad can be a very special moment (we definitely recommend bringing some tissues). We have put together some tips and ideas to help you out.

Why should you consider a father daughter first look at your wedding?

• If you love candid photos, doing a father daughter first look is a no-brainer. We have talked with many brides, and having the photographer capture the first look between the bride and father-of-the-bride is one of the most favorite moments of the day.
• Typically on the wedding day, the bride spends hours hanging out with her mom and bridesmaids getting makeup and hair done. This gives your photographer and videographer lots of time to capture priceless moments between the girls.
• The dads are normally with the groomsmen or by themselves before the wedding ceremony starts. By doing a first look with your dad, you are giving him the chance to hang out with his favorite people just before walking down the aisle.
• By planning a 1st look between the bride and father-of-the-bride, you are able to include your dad in some of those special moments before the ceremony starts.
• Another great reason for doing a first look between the bride and her father is it calms the nerves. Many couples (and parents) are a little nervous before the ceremony. Spending some quiet moments together before walking down the aisle can help everyone relax.

Tips on getting the best photo results from your father daughter first look:

1. Ask your photographer and/or videographer to find a quiet place where you can do the first look with your dad. You will want to make sure to stay away from where guests might be arriving, or where staff is setting up.
2. Ask your photographer and/or videographer to stay back and photograph the moment with a longer lens (we recommend an 85mm lens or longer for photographers). This will allow you and your dad to take in the moment without feeling too overwhelmed.
3. If you are giving a gift to your dad on the wedding day, this would be a great time to hand it to him. This way you know the photographer can capture some great photos of him opening it up in front of you.
4. Make sure to budget enough time in your timeline for a father-daughter-first-look. Your photographer or wedding planner can help with you with this. We recommend doing the 1st look with your dad about 30-45 minutes before the wedding ceremony starts (if you are not doing a first look with the groom). The first look itself will take about 5-10 minutes. Here are some detailed recommendations for planning your timeline whether you are doing a first look or not.
5. Make sure you let your wedding planner, photographer and/or videographer know that you want to do a first look with your dad. This will help them when putting together your wedding day timeline.
6. If you can pull it off, try to set the first look up without letting your dad know that is happening. One way to do this is to give him a time to be ready. Then have a family member, or a member of your wedding party give him a reason to enter the room (or wherever the first look is taking place. If this make things more complicated, just let him know. It will still be an amazing moment.

Here are some of our favorite father daughter first look wedding photos:

 

 

What if I am not close with my dad or what if my father is no longer with us?

There are many options to consider if doing a father daughter first look is not an option for you.

Many brides will do a first look (dress reveal) with her mom, bridesmaids, or siblings. The photos are absolutely priceless!

This bride below decided to do a first look with her grandma and grandpa:

 

Check out these precious father daughter first look moments filmed by Dave Tebbutt Wedding Films:

And even more filmed by John Bunn of Redeemed Productions:

 

Here are some more wedding planning tips to help with you plan your amazing wedding day:

• Since we are on the topic of fathers and daughters, here are the best father daughter dance songs at wedding.
• Our wedding planning timeline and checklist will help you with most parts of your wedding day.
• If you are in the early stages of wedding planning, it might be time for an engagement session. Here are our best tips for engagement photos.
• You can check back often. We update our blog at least once per week with new wedding planning tips.
• Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily tips and photo inspiration.