Wedding Budget Calculator
Calculate your complete wedding budget by category: venue, catering, photography, flowers, music, attire, and honeymoon. See total cost, cost per guest, and which category is eating your budget.
Wedding Budget Formula
Total wedding cost is the sum of all category expenses. Catering is the only variable cost (scales with guest count). All other categories are fixed costs for the event.
The average US wedding in 2024 cost $35,000 (The Knot annual survey). Venue and catering typically account for 45–60% of the total budget.
How to Use the Wedding Budget Calculator
Enter your total budget
Agree on a firm total budget with all contributors before breaking it into categories — this prevents scope creep as you plan.
Set your guest count
Guest count is the single biggest lever in wedding cost — cutting 20 guests can save $1,500–$3,000 depending on your catering per head rate.
Fill in category costs
Venue and catering typically represent 45–60% of the budget. Allocate those first, then distribute what remains across other categories.
Adjust to stay on budget
If you're over budget, the calculator shows which category to trim. Flowers, music, and invitations offer the most flexibility.
Note the cost per guest
Knowing your per-guest cost helps evaluate whether reducing the guest list or adjusting a specific category is the more efficient path.
Real-World Scenario Example
"A couple with a $25,000 budget, 100 guests, $5,000 venue, $85/head catering, and standard vendors."
Inputs
Result
Total estimated: $26,500. Over budget by $1,500. Cost per guest: $265. Largest category: Catering ($8,500).
Important Disclaimer
Wedding cost estimates are based on national averages and your inputs. Actual costs vary significantly by region, vendor availability, and specific choices. Obtain quotes from multiple vendors before finalizing your budget.
Related Calculators
Wedding Cost-Per-Guest Calculator
Calculate your wedding cost per guest by separating fixed and variable costs. Find your maximum guest count in budget and how trimming the list changes per-person spend.
Family Monthly Budget Planner
Plan your family's monthly budget by category — housing, groceries, childcare, utilities, and more. See your savings rate and spending breakdown instantly.
Baby's First Year Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of your baby's first year — childcare, diapers, formula, healthcare, nursery setup, and clothing. Get a monthly breakdown and annual total.