Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan and manage your wedding budget, allocate funds across categories, and track expenses to keep your special day within your means.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan your wedding budget, allocate funds, and track expenses
Total Budget
$30,000
Cost Per Guest
$300
Remaining
$22,000
Budget Breakdown
26.7% allocatedTips for Wedding Budgeting:
- • Venue & catering typically take the largest portion (40-50%)
- • Set aside 5-10% for unexpected costs
- • Photography is worth investing in — it's your lasting memory
- • Consider off-peak dates or Fridays for venue savings
Planning Your Wedding Budget
How Much Should You Spend?
The average wedding in the US costs around $30,000, but your budget should be based on what you can comfortably afford without going into debt. Consider your savings, family contributions, and how long you have to save before the wedding date.
A good rule is to avoid spending more than you can save or pay off within 1-2 years after the wedding. Starting married life debt-free is more valuable than an extravagant celebration.
Key Budget Considerations
- Guest Count: More guests = higher venue, catering, and favor costs
- Location: City weddings typically cost more than rural venues
- Season: Peak season (May-October) commands premium prices
- Day of Week: Saturday weddings cost 20-30% more than Friday
- Time of Day: Brunch weddings can save significantly on food
Standard Budget Breakdown
While every wedding is different, here's a typical allocation that works for most couples. Adjust based on your priorities:
Average Wedding Costs by Category
Venue & Catering
$10,000 - $20,000
Includes ceremony site, reception venue, food, beverages, cake, service staff, and rentals. The biggest expense for most weddings.
Photography
$2,500 - $5,000
Professional photography for 8-10 hours, edited digital files, engagement session, and often an album. Worth investing in quality.
Attire
$2,000 - $4,000
Wedding dress or suit, alterations, accessories, shoes, hair, makeup, and groom's attire combined.
Flowers
$1,500 - $3,500
Bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony arrangements, and reception centerpieces.
Music
$1,000 - $4,000
DJ or live band, ceremony musicians, sound equipment. Live bands cost more but create memorable experiences.
Videography
$1,500 - $3,000
Full-day coverage, edited highlight reel, and full ceremony footage. Often overlooked but highly valued afterward.
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Save
- • Choose off-peak season (November-March) for venue discounts
- • Opt for Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday
- • Use seasonal, local flowers instead of exotic imports
- • Consider brunch or cocktail reception instead of dinner
- • DIY centerpieces, favors, or save-the-dates
- • Limit the bar to beer, wine, and signature cocktail
- • Buy a sample or pre-owned wedding dress
- • Ask vendors about package deals or off-peak discounts
Where to Invest
- • Photography — your lasting memories of the day
- • Good food and drinks — guests remember this most
- • Music — sets the mood and keeps the party going
- • Videography — to relive moments you might miss
- • Comfortable shoes — you'll thank yourself later
- • Day-of coordinator — worth every penny for peace of mind
- • Quality alterations — makes any dress look custom
Payment Timeline
Most vendors require deposits and staged payments. Here's a typical timeline:
12-18 Months Out
- • Venue deposit (25-50%)
- • Photographer deposit (25-50%)
- • Band/DJ deposit (50%)
6-9 Months Out
- • Wedding dress purchase
- • Florist deposit (50%)
- • Caterer deposit (50%)
- • Videographer deposit (50%)
1-4 Weeks Out
- • Final headcount to caterer
- • All vendor final payments
- • Officiant fee
- • Vendor tips prepared
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget per guest?
A general rule is $150-$300 per guest for a typical wedding, though this varies widely by location. This covers venue, food, drinks, and a portion of other costs. Upscale city weddings can exceed $500 per guest.
Should I use a wedding planner?
Full-service planners (8-15% of budget) help manage everything from venue selection to day-of coordination. At minimum, consider a day-of coordinator ($1,500-$3,000) to handle logistics so you can enjoy your day stress-free.
How do I handle unexpected costs?
Build a 5-10% contingency fund into your budget for surprises. Common unexpected costs include last-minute alterations, additional rentals, vendor overtime, weather-related changes, and vendor tips.
What's included in vendor prices?
Always ask what's included. Hidden costs include: service charges (18-22%), taxes, cake cutting fees, corkage fees for outside alcohol, overtime charges, and setup/breakdown fees. Get itemized quotes to compare accurately.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides general budget guidance based on typical wedding costs. Actual prices vary significantly by location, season, and specific vendor choices. Always get detailed quotes from vendors and read contracts carefully. Expenses entered in the tracker are stored locally in your browser and are not saved to any external server.