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22
Bride’s First Look Was Supposed To Be Magical, Until MIL Spoiled Everything
Interview With Expert
We all dream of in-laws who feel like family: who cheer us on, respect our boundaries, and make life a little sweeter. But sometimes, instead of building bonds, they seem more focused on testing limits. One bride-to-be learned that the hard way during what was supposed to be a special moment.
She decided to share a sneak peek of her wedding dress with her future mother-in-law, asking her fiancé to step out of the room to keep the “first look” surprise intact. But instead of keeping things quiet, his mom blurted out every detail of the dress, loud enough for the groom to hear. Now, with the magic of the surprise ruined, the bride can’t help but wonder: was it just a thoughtless mistake, or something more intentional?
RELATED:
A first look can be a truly special moment for the bride and groom
Image credits: Karolina Grabowska / unsplash (not the actual photo)
One bride-to-be shared her frustration after her conservative mother-in-law spoiled the surprise moment by loudly commenting on her dress
Image credits: Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Jayson Hinrichsen / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: throw7790away
Couples who opt for a first look often enjoy capturing authentic, intimate moments together before the ceremony
Image credits: Jayson Hinrichsen / unsplash (not the actual photo)
When it comes to weddings, there’s always a blend of old traditions and fresh new trends. Take, for example, the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony. For some couples, it’s all about holding on to the classic tradition of waiting until the big aisle moment. But for others, the “first look” has become an increasingly popular choice.
Bored Panda spoke to wedding photographer Shantanu Singh, who has been in the business for over 20 years. He describes it as a magical moment where couples get to soak each other in, share a few laughs (or happy tears), and shake off some of those pre-ceremony jitters.
“For many, this intimate pre-ceremony moment isn’t just about nerves; it’s about cherishing one another without an audience. Plus, it gives photographers a golden opportunity to capture those sweet, candid moments in the best light, literally and figuratively.”
Singh shared why this trend has become so popular: “A first look allows couples to connect before the whirlwind of the day starts. Weddings can be chaotic, and this moment feels like a little pocket of calm where they can focus on just each other without any distractions.”
Many couples choose to do a first look to keep their special moment private, away from the eyes of the guests
Image credits: David Goldman / unsplash (not the actual photo)
He added, “It’s also practical! We often get couples telling us they love that it gives them more time for photos before the ceremony. That way, they can enjoy cocktail hour or mingle with their guests without rushing through their pictures later.”
Beyond logistics, the first look has emotional perks. For some, seeing each other beforehand doesn’t take away from the aisle moment; it adds to it. The private meeting lets them savor that first sight and then experience it all over again in front of their friends and family.
Couples also love that it feels uniquely “them.” Whether it’s in a forest, by a lake, or in the middle of a bustling city, the first look can be tailored to reflect their personalities, adding an extra layer of meaning to their wedding day.
Ultimately, the rise of the first look is a nod to how weddings are evolving. Today’s couples want their big day to be meaningful and stress-free, and the first look fits perfectly into that vision.
But in this bride’s case, her carefully planned surprise first look hit a snag due to her conservative mother-in-law. It’s hard not to feel disappointed when something so special gets derailed. How would you react if your wedding moment was spoiled? Would you confront the person, try to salvage the surprise, or let it go to keep the peace?
People online were not pleased with how the author’s future MIL behaved and reassured her that everything would be okay
Others chimed in with similar stories from their own experiences, showing she wasn’t alone in this
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What do you think ?
Rika 5 months ago
I agree with the comment saying that if OP knew this was going to happen, she should have shown the MIL a different wedding dress. It's a very easy thing to do, and it would have saved everyone a lot of drama.
Crystalwitch60 5 months ago
Hindsight is a wonderful thing , if only we had it first lol
Load More Replies...
Sue Ellen 5 months ago
If she didn't want her MIL's opinions while shopping for the dress, she should not have shown her the pictures of the dress which is just inviting MIL's opinions.
The Other Guest 5 months ago
And since she did show the dress, then she should have closed the photo as soon as future MIL started mouthing off, not tell her three times to hush.
Load More Replies... Tabitha 5 months ago
Somehow I wonder if the finance is ever really going to go NC with his mother. He didn’t stand up for OP this time, and actually just tried to explain it away as “just how she is”. I don’t know, but I don’t see all this coming to a good ending with OP and fiancé riding off into the sunset together and going 100% NC with his mother til the end of time. Her tentacles are sunk deep into him, and will take Herculean effort to extract and free him from.
TW Mat 5 months ago
Recognize the "my baby boy" syndrome and take warning..."the cord" sometimes can't be cut with a chainsaw!
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Papa 5 months ago
Am I the only one who was skeptical when she said her husband was disappointed that he had heard details about the dress? Maybe it's just me, but hearing about it would not have lessened my enjoyment of seeing my bride in her wedding dress in the slightest.
Sarah 5 months ago (edited)
Exactly, groom knows it’ll be some form Of white dress ( obvs depending on your religion)
Load More Replies...
Apatheist Account2 5 months ago
I always wondered where Les Dawson and co got their mother-in-law jokes from...it seems they haven't changed in 50 years. I suppose OP trying to keep things secret was, in MIL's eyes, to know a veil... I'll get my coat...
Yu Pan 5 months ago
When will people realize the problem is never the in-laws; the problem is your partner. If your partner cares for you as much as you claim, you'll not have any in-laws problems. So don't get mad at your mil, Op; get mad that your partner didn't shut her down when she asked to see it.
Sarah 5 months ago (edited)
Ah look, don’t let this get to you. Your future husband knows roughly what you’ll be wearing some form of bridal gown and you’re correct.. it’s just a veil and dress . But remember , he hasn’t seen you in it. That’s the most important. Forget it and don’t focus on things like this. Just never share anything with MIL ever again. It was a nasty thing to do . Who cares if he knows the style etc. he still doesn’t know what it looks like and on you wearing
Sara Shamsabadi 5 months ago
yes she most likely did it intentionally, however in the grand scheme of things, this isn't a real problem.
Rika 5 months ago
I agree with the comment saying that if OP knew this was going to happen, she should have shown the MIL a different wedding dress. It's a very easy thing to do, and it would have saved everyone a lot of drama.
Crystalwitch60 5 months ago
Hindsight is a wonderful thing , if only we had it first lol
Load More Replies... Sue Ellen 5 months ago
If she didn't want her MIL's opinions while shopping for the dress, she should not have shown her the pictures of the dress which is just inviting MIL's opinions.
The Other Guest 5 months ago
And since she did show the dress, then she should have closed the photo as soon as future MIL started mouthing off, not tell her three times to hush.
Load More Replies... Tabitha 5 months ago
Somehow I wonder if the finance is ever really going to go NC with his mother. He didn’t stand up for OP this time, and actually just tried to explain it away as “just how she is”. I don’t know, but I don’t see all this coming to a good ending with OP and fiancé riding off into the sunset together and going 100% NC with his mother til the end of time. Her tentacles are sunk deep into him, and will take Herculean effort to extract and free him from.
TW Mat 5 months ago
Recognize the "my baby boy" syndrome and take warning..."the cord" sometimes can't be cut with a chainsaw!
Load More Replies... Papa 5 months ago
Am I the only one who was skeptical when she said her husband was disappointed that he had heard details about the dress? Maybe it's just me, but hearing about it would not have lessened my enjoyment of seeing my bride in her wedding dress in the slightest.
Sarah 5 months ago (edited)
Exactly, groom knows it’ll be some form Of white dress ( obvs depending on your religion)
Load More Replies... Apatheist Account2 5 months ago
I always wondered where Les Dawson and co got their mother-in-law jokes from...it seems they haven't changed in 50 years. I suppose OP trying to keep things secret was, in MIL's eyes, to know a veil... I'll get my coat...
Yu Pan 5 months ago
When will people realize the problem is never the in-laws; the problem is your partner. If your partner cares for you as much as you claim, you'll not have any in-laws problems. So don't get mad at your mil, Op; get mad that your partner didn't shut her down when she asked to see it.
Sarah 5 months ago (edited)
Ah look, don’t let this get to you. Your future husband knows roughly what you’ll be wearing some form of bridal gown and you’re correct.. it’s just a veil and dress . But remember , he hasn’t seen you in it. That’s the most important. Forget it and don’t focus on things like this. Just never share anything with MIL ever again. It was a nasty thing to do . Who cares if he knows the style etc. he still doesn’t know what it looks like and on you wearing
Sara Shamsabadi 5 months ago
yes she most likely did it intentionally, however in the grand scheme of things, this isn't a real problem.
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