The second answer may sound a bit cynical, but I ask sincerely: if you can’t afford the $1000 for the shadchan, how do you expect to pay for a wedding, which costs tens of thousands of dollars”
I am surprised that you would ask such a thing, which to be blunt is not really anyone’s business, but I will nevertheless answer you. I have made two weddings, and we had to refinance our house to be able to afford our share (NOT tens of thousands not even close, I don’t know what type of wedding YOU might make, but that is just not gonna happen in my lifetime, unless the other side pays it or we win the Lottery). We kept costs to a minimum, and I got some help from gemach flowers, gemach gowns, etc., and made beautiful weddings on a very limited budget. Some family members helped us to secure some hachnossas kallah funds, as well. And that is what I anticipate will have to happen again when my other three children get married BE”H. And thank you for the bracha that it should happen soon. Amein for us and for all the unmarried young men and women.