The other best spend was on a day-of coordinator. We hired my friend Kate Pauley, who is an event planner and founder of Create Dinners, to set up the event and make sure everything was running smoothly. While she was hired to be a day-of coordinator, in reality, Kate was an event stylist, consultant, therapist, and fairy godmother all in one, advising on everything from cake flavors to tuxedo styles. Adding Kate was a week-before decision: Up until then, I had delusionally thought my mom and I would set up the party on the day of our wedding? Once I came to my senses, I called Kate and she agreed to quarterback the event. It was, without a doubt, the best decision I made, because it ensured my mom and I could enjoy the day.

We did, however, have to get crafty to make sure we hit our budget. We decided not to opt for a traditional wedding cake; instead, Stacey Kane at Lupe Bakehouse made a delicious tres leches cake for thirty along with a smaller version so we could still have our cake-cutting moment. At one point, I was about to confirm a $500 makeup artist, but then I felt silly—I don’t usually wear makeup so it didn’t make sense for it to be such a large line item. In the end, my friend Claire did my makeup, and I’ve never felt more beautiful. For my hair, I had a $60 blowout. Instead of getting a cute vintage getaway car, we Ubered to the ceremony (it didn’t matter at all).