💍 Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan and allocate your wedding budget
Your total budget for the wedding
Expected number of wedding guests
How to Use This Calculator
Set Your Total Budget
Enter your total wedding budget. This should be the maximum amount you're willing and able to spend on your wedding. Be realistic about what you can afford.
Enter Number of Guests
Input your expected number of wedding guests. This helps calculate the cost per guest and is important for catering and venue planning.
Review Budget Breakdown
See how your budget is allocated across different wedding categories. The calculator uses typical wedding budget percentages, which you can adjust based on your priorities.
Adjust and Plan
Use the breakdown as a starting point. Adjust allocations based on your priorities - for example, if photography is most important, you might allocate more there and less elsewhere.
Typical Wedding Budget Breakdown
Venue & Rentals: 40% - Often the largest expense
Catering & Bar: 25% - Food and beverages for guests
Photography & Videography: 12% - Capturing your special day
Flowers & Decorations: 8% - Venue decoration and bouquets
Music & Entertainment: 6% - DJ, band, or ceremony music
Wedding Attire: 5% - Dresses, suits, accessories
Invitations & Stationery: 2% - Save-the-dates, invitations, programs
Other Expenses: 2% - Miscellaneous items
Example Calculation:
If total budget is $30,000 for 100 guests:
• Venue: $30,000 × 40% = $12,000
• Catering: $30,000 × 25% = $7,500
• Photography: $30,000 × 12% = $3,600
• Cost per guest = $30,000 ÷ 100 = $300/guest
About Wedding Budget Calculator
The wedding budget calculator helps you plan and allocate your wedding budget across different categories. Planning a wedding involves many expenses, and this calculator provides a typical budget breakdown based on industry standards. It helps you understand where your money will go and ensures you allocate funds appropriately for each aspect of your wedding. The calculator uses typical percentage allocations that work for most weddings, but you can adjust these based on your priorities and preferences.
When to Use This Calculator
- Wedding Planning: Plan your wedding budget from the start
- Budget Allocation: Understand how to distribute funds across categories
- Cost Estimation: Estimate costs for different wedding elements
- Financial Planning: Plan how much to save for your wedding
- Prioritization: Identify where to spend more or less based on priorities
Tips for Wedding Budgeting
- Set a Realistic Budget: Determine what you can actually afford before planning
- Prioritize: Allocate more to what matters most to you (photography, venue, etc.)
- Build in Buffer: Add 10-15% to your budget for unexpected expenses
- Track Expenses: Keep track of actual spending vs. budget
- Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate with vendors
- Consider Alternatives: Off-peak seasons, weekday weddings, and DIY options can save money
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Quick Planning: Get instant budget breakdown
- ✅ Industry Standards: Based on typical wedding budget percentages
- ✅ Cost per Guest: Understand guest-related costs
- ✅ Comprehensive: Covers all major wedding expense categories
- ✅ 100% Free: No registration or payment required
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a typical wedding budget?
Wedding budgets vary widely. The average US wedding costs around $30,000-35,000, but this varies significantly by location, number of guests, and preferences. Smaller, simpler weddings can cost $10,000-15,000, while elaborate weddings can cost $50,000 or more.
Can I adjust the budget percentages?
Absolutely! The percentages shown are industry averages and starting points. Adjust them based on your priorities. For example, if photography is most important, you might allocate 20% there and reduce other categories. If you're having a backyard wedding, venue costs might be much lower.
What expenses are not included?
This calculator covers major wedding day expenses. Additional costs might include: honeymoon, engagement ring, rehearsal dinner, wedding favors, hair and makeup trials, marriage license, tips for vendors, and pre-wedding events. Be sure to budget for these separately.
How can I save money on my wedding?
Ways to save: choose off-peak seasons or days (Friday/Sunday vs. Saturday), reduce guest list, DIY decorations, choose a less expensive venue, negotiate with vendors, consider buffet vs. plated meals, and prioritize what matters most. Small changes can add up to significant savings.