Make Your Wedding Look More Expensive
Make Your Wedding Look More Expensive Without Breaking the Bank.
By a Sioux Falls Wedding Photographer
Planning a wedding in South Dakota and dreaming of looking more expensive without breaking the bank?Whether you’re saying “I do” in the rolling hills near Sioux Falls or at one of our area’s stunning barn venues, there are simple, affordable ways to make your wedding look upscale and magazine-worthy.
As a professional wedding photographer in Sioux Falls, I’ve learned that a few intentional choices can dramatically enhance the overall look and feel of your photos. Here’s how you can elevate your wedding aesthetic without stretching your budget.
1. Embrace Soft, Neutral and Pastel Color Palettes
Opting for neutral and pastel tones like ivory, beige, dusty blue, soft pink or lavender creates a classic, polished aesthetic that stands the test of time. These tones look incredible in natural light and blend seamlessly with any venue or season in South Dakota. Your photos will have that editorial, high-end look that many brides crave—without needing an over-the-top luxury decor.
Bonus tip: Soft and pastel colors complement the rolling prairies and elegant barn venues around Sioux Falls beautifully. (Pictured below: Blue Haven Barn)
2. Choose a Wedding Venue With Unique Character
Skip the basic banquet hall—look for Sioux Falls wedding venues that offer charm and personality. A restored barn, a historic downtown church, or even an open prairie field can become a stunning backdrop that instantly elevates your photos. Unique textures like exposed brick, vintage wood beams, or open fields bathed in golden-hour light create luxurious, cinematic photo opportunities.
Top Sioux Falls area venues to consider:
- Emerald Pines Barn
- Meadow Barn at Country Orchards (check out their chapel!!)
- The Atrium at Blue Haven
- Blue Haven Barn
- The Veranda
- Laurel Ridge Barn
- MOSAIC Sioux Falls
- ICON
- Monick Yards
3. Prioritize Your Bridal Bouquet
One of the most impactful details in your wedding photos is your bouquet—it appears in nearly every portrait. Investing in a well-designed, elegant floral arrangement makes your photos feel luxurious. Go for blooms with texture and shape like garden roses, peonies, or orchids. Keep the palette soft and romantic, or add a bold pop for contrast.
Best florists in Sioux Falls (or my favorite ones):
Extra secret tip: Ask about seasonal flower options to stay within budget while still getting a premium look.
4. Dress Your Groom in a Tux
Nothing says timeless quite like a black tuxedo. It instantly polishes the entire wedding aesthetic and photographs beautifully in every setting—from historic churches to rustic barns. If you’re aiming for a sophisticated, high-end vibe, skip trendy suit colors and go with the tried-and-true black tux. It complements every bridal gown and never feels outdated in your photos.
Make Timeless Wedding Magic in Sioux Falls
You don’t need a massive budget to make your South Dakota wedding feel luxurious and look like it came out of a magazine. With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, your day can be both elegant and affordable. As a wedding photographer based right here in Sioux Falls, I specialize in capturing the timeless, emotional, and romantic moments that reflect your one-of-a-kind love story.
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