With brides and grooms foregoing norms to plan their own nuptials, DIY weddings are totally on trend this season. If you’re getting married soon, harness your can-do attitude and get to it! Here are 5 DIY wedding hacks you can implement to save money and customize your big day in a way that fulfills your wedding dreams.

1. Weight Your Veil for Outdoor Wedding Photos: A flyaway veil can ruin your wedding photos. To avoid any mishaps that might result in ruined hair or a torn vail, take the advice of your wedding photographer and weight your veil before taking pictures outside. The results will be beautiful!

2. Invest in Heel Protectors for Your Shoes: Taking wedding photos outdoors can be tricky due to the varying landscapes and weather you may encounter. Protect your heels and prevent sinking to make sure your photos look pristine. These are a must-have for Iowa weddings during any season.

3. Create Your Own Photography Backdrop: Bring customization to your DIY wedding with a personalized backdrop. Make it out of flowers, garland, barn wood, chalkboard or string lights. The possibilities are endless!

4. Personalize Your Decorations: While fresh flowers are beautiful, they can also be expensive if used in abundance. Consider decorating your tables with engagement photos of you and your fiance or include family members’ old wedding photos. Not only will this help you stick to your budget, but it adds a personal touch to your decorations as well.

5. Print Your Own Thank You Cards: Save room in your budget for more important things by opting for handmade thank you cards. Simply print them off using your computer, write them by hand or choose a favorite wedding photo to thank guests for attending.

I love working with Des Moines and Central Iowa couples to turn their wedding vision into a reality. As a seasoned wedding photographer and Des Moines resident, I’m happy to offer skill and knowledge of the area along with an artistic style to capture the best parts of your day. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to get to know you, learn about your vision and capture photos that will last a lifetime.

Contact me to learn more!