I Organized My Wedding From 3,000 Miles Away for $3,000 — Here’s My Story

It had been a decade to the day since my now-husband proposed. After a cozy night at home with takeout from our favorite burger spot in Venice, California, he quietly slipped into the other room with our dog, Alastor, and pretended Alastor had found something under the bed. I rushed in, convinced it was a mouse, only to discover the two of them on one knee (well, one was holding up a paw). Naturally, I said yes. Less than a month later, we’d be moving halfway across the world to Portugal. So, I did what anyone would do: I organized a wedding in three weeks on the other side of the country so our families could attend—all for about $3,000.

To be honest, I knew my guest list would be small, which is a game-changer for planning a wedding quickly and cost-effectively. It was just our parents, a sibling each, their partners, my niece and nephew, my grandmother, my childhood best friend as the officiant, and her partner, bringing our total to 15 people. Even professional wedding planners agree this is one of the best ways to save money.

"It's a proven fact that a smaller guest list can significantly lower your expenses — it’s just basic math," stated Jessica Bishop, founder of The Budget Savvy Bride. "More guests mean more meals, chairs, invitations, and so forth. For every six to ten additional guests, you'll need extra reception tables, linens, and centerpieces. Keeping the guest list small lets you provide a more refined experience for an intimate group than if you had to stretch your budget for a larger crowd."

Continue reading to discover more ways I, along with several experts, believe you can save and splurge like a pro when organizing a long-distance wedding.

Save: Venue 

Initially, we envisioned a simple ceremony at the Providence, Rhode Island Courthouse, which would have only cost between $150 and $1,000 for a group of 60, depending on the date. However, due to the pandemic, while the court would issue us a marriage license, they wouldn’t host our ceremony. So, I reached out to what I believe is one of the most stunning libraries in America: The Providence Public Library. We gained access to its beautiful entrance area, equipped with ballroom chairs, a prep suite, and some delightful surprises from the librarians for a total of $1,250 — a bargain compared to the $12,800 average venue cost reported by Knot's Real Wedding's Study. Plus, we even signed our wedding certificate in the records room of the first newspaper I ever worked at!

If you're considering a larger venue, Colleen Carswell, creator of DIY Wedding Planning Made Easy, suggests the best way to save is by opting for a fully stocked venue instead of doing everything yourself. "Look for venues that offer all the rentals — tables, chairs, linens — along with staff to set up and ample time for pre-wedding arrangements," Carswell advised. "I once worked at a venue that catered to corporate and wedding events and only allowed a two-hour turnover between functions — that rushed schedule can end up costing you a lot."

Total cost: $1,250

Save: Floral Arrangements

I knew I wanted a beautiful bridal bouquet but didn’t want to spend the average $2,300 on flowers. So, I took Pinterest's advice and browsed Etsy for a dried flower bouquet instead. I found one for $100 from Lunaria Flower Shop and even added my husband's boutonniere for just $17.51. It also turned out to be a lovely keepsake, as we still have the dried flowers displayed in a vase in our dining room three years later, looking as fresh as the day we bought them.

Total expenditure: $117.51

Food Options

For our meal, catering for such a small group didn’t make sense. Instead, we booked a table at one of the city's finest restaurants, North, which created a special tasting menu for our wedding celebration at $70 per person, totaling $840. (Since my grandmother and the kids skipped dinner, we only had 12 guests). This setup also let others order from the regular menu if they desired something different, allowing us all to savor a truly delightful meal.

"While keeping an eye on your budget is essential, there are certain aspects where splurging is justified," said Lee Ramsay, owner of Lee Ramsay Events, a comprehensive wedding and event planning firm. "Quality food and drinks are vital, as your guests will always remember the standard of their meals."

Total expenditure: $840

Save: Hair and Makeup

When it comes to hair and makeup, I consider myself quite fortunate. For years, I have hosted videos for platforms like Dinogo, which helped me refine my makeup skills to the point where I felt confident enough to do my own for my wedding. If you're planning to do the same, here’s my best tip: consult the beauty advisors at Sephora. While you shouldn't expect free wedding makeup services, you can visit (or chat online) and seek advice from their experts about the best colors and products for you. That's how I discovered I’d been using the wrong concealer all along and finally learned the correct way to contour (here’s a hint: if you have dry skin, stick to liquid products and avoid powders).

Total expenditure: $0

Mix: Dress and Suit 

For me, endlessly browsing options or having a custom creation wasn't feasible due to time constraints. Luckily, I instantly fell for the Catherine Deane Frida Dress on my first click. Choosing an off-the-rack option allowed me to save significantly and skip costly alterations. (I consider this a mixed-budget choice because, honestly, $795 is still a hefty sum.) However, if you have a bit more time, there are many ways to cut costs, like borrowing a dress from a cherished family member or friend, or exploring second-hand sites like Preowned Wedding Dresses. As for my husband's suit, we were fortunate to find an unworn black suit in his closet, which he's since worn to numerous weddings, making it a perfect win-win. 

Total expenditure: $795.00

Splurge: Photographer 

When I announced my upcoming wedding to family and friends, everyone was thrilled. However, one close friend, who also had a small ceremony, cautioned me to never skip hiring an excellent photographer. She wasn't the only one offering this wise counsel. 

"Never cut corners on hiring a fantastic photographer. These are the images you'll cherish with your family and friends for years to come. There's a strong likelihood they’ll grace the walls of your new family home," advised Jason Wright, owner of Paradise Weddings. 

We chose Yaritza Colon for our special day after falling in love with her unique style and editing. Colon was undoubtedly the most significant expense of our wedding, and the best $1,400 I’ve ever invested. Not only did I adore her work, but it also turned out to be the last photo taken with my grandmother before she passed away less than a year later — a treasure I will always cherish. 

"Ultimately, wedding photos serve as tangible reminders of the invaluable memories made on your big day," Bishop noted. "It's essential to hire a professional you trust, who makes you feel comfortable and comes highly recommended with an impressive portfolio."

The highlight was that Colon also brought her instant camera, letting us enjoy the moments in real-time. While she offers various paid extras, many experts recommend opting for minimalist packages that focus solely on the key moments you want to capture — be it the ceremony, reception, getting ready, or portraits. The choice is yours. 

Total expenditure: $1,400

Save: Officiant

A fantastic way to save money is by asking a friend or family member to officiate the ceremony instead of hiring a professional. 

“I’ve heard numerous couples express regret for not having a friend or family member officiate instead of paying $1,000 for a professional officiant," shared Steven Greitzer, a wedding expert and seasoned officiant. He assists officiants in accessing necessary resources through his website, provenance.co. "A loved one can easily and affordably put together everything they need using Provenance’s Ceremony Builder to create a polished, personalized ceremony."

For me, there was no one better suited than my childhood best friend, Zoe. She approached the role with such professionalism that she had everyone in tears and fits of laughter all day long. I’m grateful to learn from her as I prepare to officiate for another dear friend next. I hope I can deliver similar savings and joy!

Total wedding cost: $3,562