A Guide On The Wedding First Touch: 7 Ideas And Photos
The “first touch” is an incredibly emotional and cherished moment during a wedding day that many couples are choosing to incorporate into their ceremonies. Unlike the “first look” where the couple sees each other before the ceremony, the “first touch” allows the couple to have a private moment together without seeing each other before the wedding ceremony. It’s a contemporary twist on the traditional superstition of bad luck befalling couples who see each other before the ceremony, allowing them to exchange a few intimate words or simply feel each other’s presence before saying “I do.”
How does a First Touch Wedding Work?
During a first touch, the bride and groom usually stand on either side of a door or wall, holding hands or touching each other’s fingers, before the wedding ceremony. Some couples may choose to read letters to each other or exchange gifts.
This intimate moment is usually captured by a photographer or videographer, so the couple can look back on the moment and cherish the memories.
The first touch wedding has become a popular alternative to the traditional first look, as it allows couples to share an intimate moment without seeing each other before the wedding ceremony. It saves the magic of seeing each other at the ceremony for the first time but it can also help calm nerves and reduce anxiety before the big moment.
Here’s what makes the first touch such a special part of a wedding:
1. A Moment of Calm
Wedding days can be a whirlwind of emotions, filled with anticipation, joy, and a fair bit of nerves. The wedding first touch gives the couple a few moments of calm and connection before they step into their life-changing moment. It can help ground them, remind them of why they’re there, and who they’re there with, which can be a calming influence amid the day’s excitement.
2. Emotional Intimacy
The wedding first touch allows for a deeply intimate moment between the couple. Being able to connect, hold hands, or say a prayer together can be profoundly emotional and a unique bonding experience. This exchange can take the form of personal vows, promises, or simply expressions of love.
3. A Keepsake Moment
If you choose to exchange letters during the first touch, these words of love and anticipation can be kept as a beautiful memento of your wedding day. This keepsake can serve as a heartfelt reminder of your love for each other, and a tangible piece of a moment in time on your wedding day.
4. Great for Photos
From a photography standpoint, the wedding first touch can make for some of the most poignant and powerful pictures of the day. The anticipation, the raw emotions, and the love that radiates from the couple can create truly unforgettable images.
7 Ideas For Your First Touch On Your Wedding Day
While this often involves simply holding hands around a corner or door, there are many other ways you can make this moment even more memorable. Here are some unique ideas for what you can do with your partner during the first touch at your wedding:
1. Exchange Handwritten Letters During Wedding First Touch
One of the most popular first touch activities is exchanging handwritten letters. This gives you both a chance to express your love, anticipation, and hopes for your future together in your own words. The process of reading these deeply personal messages moments before you walk down the aisle can be profoundly emotional and beautiful.
2. Share a Prayer or Moment of Reflection During Wedding First Touch
If you’re a religious or spiritual couple, consider saying a prayer together during your first touch. This can be a powerful way to focus your intentions and seek divine blessing for your marriage. If you’re not religious, you could share a moment of silence and reflection together, perhaps thinking about your journey as a couple and the path that lies ahead.
3. Perform a Unity Ritual During Wedding First Touch
Performing a small unity ritual during the first touch can be a symbolic way to show your commitment to each other. This could involve tying a knot in a piece of rope or ribbon, each of you adding sand to a small vial, or any other ritual that represents the union you’re about to enter.
4. Gift Each Other a Keepsake During Wedding First Touch
Present each other with a small, meaningful gift during your first touch. This could be a piece of jewelry, a photo album, or anything else that holds significant meaning for you as a couple. It’s not about the value of the gift, but the sentiment behind it.
5. Sing a Song Together During Wedding First Touch
If you and your partner share a love for music, consider singing a song together. This could be your song as a couple, a hymn, or any piece of music that holds special significance for you. It can be a touching way to connect and calm any pre-ceremony nerves.
6. Read a Poem or a Passage From a Book During Wedding First Touch
Select a poem or a passage from a book that resonates with you both. Reading it aloud during your first touch can create a meaningful, personal moment. It might be something that has guided your relationship, a literary piece that speaks to your love story, or even a fun anecdote that lightens the mood.
7. Make a Joint Toast During Wedding First Touch
Bring along a miniature bottle of champagne or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage and make a toast to each other during your first touch. This can serve as a mini-celebration before the ceremony begins and help calm your nerves.
It’s important to note that a first touch wedding may not be suitable for all couples or all wedding venues. Be sure to check with your wedding planner and venue to see if this is an option and to discuss any logistics or concerns.
Concluding Thoughts On Wedding First Touch:
While the first touch is a beautiful and often emotional part of the wedding day, remember that it is your day. It’s important to choose traditions and elements that resonate with you as a couple. If the idea of a quiet, intimate moment before the ceremony appeals to you, then the first touch could be a perfect addition to your wedding day itinerary. If you prefer sticking to tradition and waiting to connect at the ceremony, that’s just as beautiful. Ultimately, the best wedding traditions are the ones that feel right for you.
