Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan your wedding budget with detailed category breakdowns. Track spending, see per-guest costs, compare to typical allocations, and get personalized money-saving tips.
Wedding Overview
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Your Budget Allocation
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Budget Status
$1,700 Remaining
Total allocated: $28,300 of $30,000
$28,300
Total Spending
$283
Cost Per Guest
100
Guests
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Your Budget | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Catering | $8,000 | 26.7% |
| Venue | $5,000 | 16.7% |
| Photography | $3,000 | 10.0% |
| Videography | $2,000 | 6.7% |
| Flowers | $2,000 | 6.7% |
| Attire | $2,000 | 6.7% |
| Music | $1,500 | 5.0% |
| Rings | $1,000 | 3.3% |
| Other | $1,000 | 3.3% |
| Hair | $500 | 1.7% |
Spending by Category
Venue & Food
$13,500
Photography & Video
$5,000
Decor & Flowers
$2,000
Entertainment
$1,500
Attire & Beauty
$2,500
Stationery
$500
Other
$3,300
Guest Count Impact
| Guests | Est. Total | Per Guest |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $25,250 | $505 |
| 75 | $27,625 | $368 |
| 100 | $30,000 | $300 |
| 125 | $32,375 | $259 |
| 150 | $34,750 | $232 |
| 200 | $39,500 | $198 |
Wedding Budget Tips
The Big Three
Venue, catering, and photography typically account for 50-60% of the budget. Focus negotiations here for the biggest savings. Consider all-inclusive venues that bundle services.
Guest Count Matters Most
Each guest costs $150-300+ in food, drinks, and favors. Cutting 20 guests can save $3,000-6,000. Be ruthless with the guest list if budget is tight.
Build in Contingency
Plan for 5-10% contingency for unexpected costs. Tips, last-minute additions, and vendor overages add up. It's better to have money left over than to go into debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Average Wedding Costs (2024)
| Category | Average Cost | % of Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | $5,000-15,000 | 15-20% |
| Catering | $70-150/person | 25-35% |
| Photography | $2,500-5,000 | 10-12% |
| Flowers | $1,500-3,000 | 8-10% |
| Music/DJ | $1,000-2,500 | 5-8% |
| Attire | $1,500-3,000 | 5-8% |
Budget by Wedding Style
- Budget: $5,000-15,000 (backyard, DIY, small guest list)
- Moderate: $20,000-35,000 (average US wedding)
- Upscale: $50,000-75,000 (premium vendors, larger guest list)
- Luxury: $100,000+ (high-end everything)
Top Money-Saving Tips
- Cut the guest list: Each guest = $150-300
- Off-season dates: November-March (except holidays)
- Friday or Sunday: 20-30% cheaper than Saturday
- Brunch reception: 30-50% less than dinner
- All-inclusive venue: Often better value
- In-season flowers: 30-50% savings
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Vendor tips (15-20%)
- Alterations ($200-500)
- Marriage license ($50-100)
- Day-of coordinator ($500-1,500)
- Guest transportation
- Welcome bags and favors