Wedding Cost Calculator

Plan your dream wedding with our comprehensive budget calculator

Step 1 of 8

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How many guests will attend?

Number of Guests

🏛️ Venue Cost

Total Venue Cost ($)

🍽️ Catering Cost

Cost Per Guest ($) Average: $50-150 per guest

👗 Wedding Attire

Bride’s Attire ($)

Groom’s Attire ($)

🌼 Decoration & Flowers

Total Decoration Cost ($) Includes flowers, centerpieces, lighting

📷 Photography & Videography

Photography & Video Cost ($) Average: $2,000-5,000

🎵 Entertainment & Music

Entertainment Cost ($) DJ, band, or live music

🎁 Miscellaneous Expenses

Other Costs ($) Gifts, transport, wedding planner, etc.

Complete Wedding Budget Planning Guide

Why Use a Wedding Budget Calculator?

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing costs. A wedding budget calculator helps you:

Visualize your spending: See exactly where your money is going with detailed breakdowns
Stay within budget: Set realistic expectations and avoid overspending
Make informed decisions: Compare costs across different categories to prioritize what matters most
Plan ahead: Identify potential cost savings and budget adjustments early in the planning process
Reduce stress: Having a clear financial plan eliminates uncertainty and anxiety

According to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding cost in the United States is $35,000, but this varies significantly by location, guest count, and personal preferences.

How to Plan Your Wedding Budget

Creating a realistic wedding budget requires careful consideration of your financial situation and priorities. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Determine Your Total Budget

Start by calculating how much you can realistically afford to spend. Consider:

Your current savings dedicated to the wedding
Monthly contributions you can make to wedding savings
Contributions from family members
Timeline until your wedding date

2. Allocate by Category

Use these general percentage guidelines for budget allocation:

Venue & Catering (45-50%): Typically the largest expense
Photography & Videography (10-15%): Memories that last forever
Attire & Beauty (8-10%): Dress, suit, hair, makeup
Flowers & Decorations (8-10%): Ceremony and reception decor
Entertainment (8-10%): DJ, band, or live music
Transportation (3-5%): Getting to and from venues
Miscellaneous (10-15%): Invitations, favors, unexpected costs

3. Research and Get Quotes

Once you have a rough budget, start researching vendors and getting actual quotes. This will help you refine your budget based on real market prices in your area.

Sample Wedding Budgets by Guest Count

Intimate Wedding (50 guests)

Venue & Catering: $8,000
Photography: $2,500
Attire: $1,500
Flowers & Decor: $1,200
Entertainment: $800
Miscellaneous: $1,000
Total: $15,000

Medium Wedding (100 guests)

Venue & Catering: $18,000
Photography: $3,500
Attire: $2,500
Flowers & Decor: $2,500
Entertainment: $2,000
Miscellaneous: $3,000
Total: $31,500

Large Wedding (200 guests)

Venue & Catering: $35,000
Photography: $5,000
Attire: $3,500
Flowers & Decor: $4,000
Entertainment: $3,500
Miscellaneous: $5,000
Total: $56,000

Realistic Cost Breakdowns for 2025

Wedding costs have evolved significantly, and 2025 brings new trends and pricing structures. Here’s what to expect:

Venue & Catering Trends

All-inclusive venues: $150-300 per person (trending upward)
Outdoor/Rustic venues: $75-150 per person plus additional rentals
Luxury hotels: $200-500 per person
Non-traditional venues: $50-120 per person (museums, galleries, etc.)

Photography & Videography

Professional photographer (8 hours): $2,500-6,000
Videographer: $1,500-4,000
Drone footage: $300-800 additional
Same-day editing: $500-1,200 additional

Entertainment Costs

DJ (6-8 hours): $800-2,500
Live band (4-piece): $2,000-5,000
Solo musician: $300-800
Photo booth rental: $400-1,200

Top 15 Tips to Cut Wedding Costs

Venue & Catering

Choose off-peak dates (Friday, Sunday, winter months)
Consider brunch or lunch receptions
Opt for venues that include tables, chairs, and linens
Limit the bar to beer, wine, and signature cocktails
Choose seasonal, local menu options

Decorations & Flowers

Use ceremony flowers for reception centerpieces
Choose in-season flowers
DIY simple decorations and favors
Rent decorative items instead of buying
Use candles and string lights for ambiance

Attire & Beauty

Shop sample sales and trunk shows
Consider renting formal wear
Do your own makeup trial runs
Choose versatile bridesmaid dresses
Buy accessories online or secondhand

DIY vs Professional Services

Deciding what to DIY and what to leave to professionals can significantly impact your budget. Here’s a practical guide:

✓ Good DIY Options

Invitations: Save $300-800 with online templates
Wedding favors: Save $200-500 with homemade treats
Simple centerpieces: Save $400-1,000
Wedding website: Save $200-500
Playlist creation: Save $500-1,500 vs. DJ
Hair and makeup trials: Practice makes perfect

✗ Leave to Professionals

Photography: Irreplaceable memories
Wedding cake: Complex techniques required
Catering: Food safety and timing critical
Wedding dress alterations: Precision required
Floral arrangements: Timing and expertise needed
Day-of coordination: Stress management essential

Pro Tip: Calculate the time investment for DIY projects. If a DIY project takes 20 hours and saves $400, you’re earning $20/hour. Consider if your time might be better spent working extra hours at your regular job or enjoying your engagement period stress-free.

Common Wedding Budget Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ The 20% Rule

Always add 15-20% to your total budget for unexpected expenses. Wedding costs have a way of creeping up, and this buffer will save you stress and financial strain.

Not Getting Everything in Writing

Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings and unexpected costs. Always get detailed contracts with itemized pricing.

Forgetting About Gratuities

Budget 15-20% for tips for vendors like caterers, photographers, and musicians. This can add $1,000-3,000 to your total cost.

Underestimating Guest Count

Start with a realistic guest list. Each additional guest typically costs $75-200 in catering, favors, and invitations.

Not Tracking Expenses

Use spreadsheets or apps to track every expense. Small purchases add up quickly and can derail your budget.

Hidden Wedding Costs You Might Miss

Many couples are surprised by costs that aren’t immediately obvious. Here are the most commonly overlooked expenses:

💍 Engagement & Wedding Rings

Average cost: $3,000-8,000

Often purchased separately from wedding budget

🏨 Guest Accommodations

Average cost: $150-300 per night

Hotel blocks for out-of-town guests

🚗 Transportation

Average cost: $400-1,200

Limo, Uber, or special transportation

📑 Wedding Insurance

Average cost: $200-500

Protects against cancellation and liability

💅 Beauty Trials

Average cost: $200-500

Hair and makeup practice sessions

🎁 Wedding Party Gifts

Average cost: $50-150 per person

Thank you gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of income should I spend on a wedding? +

Financial experts recommend spending no more than 10-15% of your annual household income on your wedding. For example, if you earn $60,000 per year, your wedding budget should be around $6,000-9,000. However, this can vary based on your savings, debt situation, and other financial goals. According to NerdWallet, it’s more important to avoid going into debt for your wedding than to hit a specific percentage.

How far in advance should I start budgeting for my wedding? +

Ideally, start budgeting 12-18 months before your wedding date. This gives you time to save money, research vendors, and make informed decisions without rushing. If you have less time, focus on booking the most important vendors first (venue, photographer, caterer) and adjust other elements to fit your budget. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have and the less stressed you’ll feel.

Should I include engagement ring costs in my wedding budget? +

Engagement rings are typically budgeted separately from wedding expenses since they’re usually purchased months or years before the wedding. However, wedding bands should be included in your wedding budget. If you’re planning both simultaneously, consider your total “wedding-related” budget to include both the engagement ring and wedding costs, but track them separately for planning purposes.

How do I handle budget overruns? +

If you’re going over budget, first identify which categories are most important to you and which can be reduced. Common areas to cut include decorations, favors, and upgraded menu options. Consider extending your engagement to save more money, or look for ways to increase income through side jobs. Avoid going into debt for your wedding – it’s better to have a smaller celebration than to start your marriage with financial stress.

What’s the best way to track wedding expenses? +

Use a combination of tools: a detailed spreadsheet for planning and tracking, a dedicated wedding planning app for vendor management, and a separate bank account for wedding expenses. Update your tracking weekly and review your budget monthly. Take photos of all receipts and contracts. Many couples find success with apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or wedding-specific tools like WeddingWire’s budget tracker.

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