Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan your wedding budget with smart allocation across venues, catering, photography, and other categories.
Wedding Budget Breakdown
Wedding budget planning helps you allocate your total budget across all the necessary categories. The average wedding cost varies significantly by region, guest count, and personal preferences.
Typical budget allocation percentages:
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Venue and catering | 40-50% |
| Photography and video | 10-12% |
| Music and entertainment | 6-8% |
| Flowers and decor | 6-8% |
| Wedding attire | 5-7% |
| Stationery and invitations | 2-3% |
| Transportation | 2-3% |
| Officiant and ceremony | 1-2% |
| Contingency fund | 5-10% |
Key budgeting tips:
- Always include a contingency fund of at least 5%. Unexpected costs always arise.
- Guest count is the single biggest cost driver. Each guest typically adds $50-$300 depending on the venue.
- Off-peak seasons and weekday weddings can save 20-40%.
- Prioritize what matters most to you and allocate more budget there.
Per-guest cost estimate:
Per Guest = Total Catering Budget / Number of Guests
A reasonable per-guest catering cost ranges from $50 (casual) to $250+ (high-end) depending on location and menu choices.