Wedding Budget Planner
Create a comprehensive wedding budget by category. Track spending, compare budget levels, and stay on top of costs for your special day.
Wedding Budget Planning Guide
Introduction: Managing Wedding Costs
The average wedding in the United States costs $33,000-36,000, with significant regional and style variations. However, weddings can range from $5,000 intimate gatherings to $300,000+ luxury events. The key to a successful wedding is not spending the most, but spending thoughtfully within your means.
This calculator helps you allocate your wedding budget across categories, track spending, and understand where your money goes. By breaking down costs and comparing scenarios, you can make informed decisions about where to invest and where to save.
Typical Wedding Budget Allocation
The most straightforward wedding metric: if you have a $30,000 budget and 100 guests, you're spending $300 per guest. This includes all costs, so a catered meal alone ($20-50/person) is just one component.
Standard Budget Category Breakdown
| Category | % of Total Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catering & Bar | 30-40% | Largest expense; food and beverage service |
| Venue | 10-15% | Ceremony and reception location |
| Photography/Video | 8-12% | Professional coverage and editing |
| Attire & Styling | 5-8% | Dress, suits, alterations, hair/makeup |
| Flowers & Décor | 5-8% | Arrangements, centerpieces, decorations |
| Music/DJ/Entertainment | 4-7% | DJ, live band, musicians |
| Rings | 3-5% | Engagement and wedding bands |
| Other | 15-25% | Cake, invitations, transportation, contingency |
Worked Example: $30,000 Wedding for 100 Guests
Moderate Budget Wedding Breakdown
Budget Allocation:
- Catering & Bar (35%): $10,500
- Venue (12%): $3,600
- Photography (10%): $3,000
- Attire & Styling (6%): $1,800
- Flowers & Décor (6%): $1,800
- Music/DJ (5%): $1,500
- Rings (4%): $1,200
- Cake (2%): $600
- Invitations (1%): $300
- Transportation (2%): $600
- Accommodations (2%): $600
- Miscellaneous (5%): $1,400
- TOTAL: $27,900
Cost Per Guest: $27,900 ÷ 100 = $279/guest
Analysis: This is a comfortable moderate-level wedding with quality in key areas (professional photography, good food) while maintaining budget discipline in others. The 5% contingency ($1,400) provides a safety buffer.
Budget by Wedding Size
| Wedding Type | Typical Guest Count | Cost Per Guest | Total Budget | Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intimate | 25-50 | $50-100 | $1,500-5,000 | Casual venue, simple catering |
| Small | 50-75 | $75-150 | $5,000-12,000 | Budget venue, modest catering |
| Moderate | 75-150 | $150-250 | $15,000-35,000 | Mid-range venue, good catering, professional vendors |
| Large | 150-300 | $200-350 | $35,000-100,000 | Premium venue, upscale catering, top vendors |
| Luxury | 100-300+ | $300+ | $50,000-500,000+ | Exclusive venue, gourmet catering, high-end entertainment |
Where to Save Money on Weddings
High-Impact Savings
- Reduce guest count: Each guest adds 30-40% to costs (catering, seating, etc.)
- Choose off-season dates: Weekend prices can be 30-50% higher than weekday or off-season
- DIY elements: Flowers, decorations, invitations (saves 20-40% on those categories)
- Limit bar service: Beer and wine only (vs. full bar) saves 30-40% on beverage costs
- Brunch or lunch wedding: Typically 30-50% cheaper than dinner reception
Medium-Impact Savings
- Budget-friendly venue: Restaurant, park, backyard (vs. dedicated wedding venue)
- Hire emerging photographers: New professionals charge 40-60% less than established ones
- Limit décor: Simpler aesthetic vs. elaborate floral arrangements
- DJ vs. live band: DJ typically 30-50% cheaper
Minor Savings
- Simpler stationery and invitations
- Smaller cake or alternative desserts
- Limit guest transportation
- Scaled-back favors or none
Where Couples Typically Overspend
- Flowers & Décor: Can be 2-3x what's necessary; strong visual impact with simple arrangements
- Attire & Accessories: Trend toward less expensive dresses and suits without sacrificing style
- Photography: Emerging photographers deliver excellent work at half the cost of established firms
- Catering: Premium per-person rates; buffet often cheaper than plated service
- Guest count creep: Every additional guest multiplies costs
Budget vs. Importance: Where to Invest
Invest more in:
- Photography: You keep photos forever; worth the investment
- Food & Beverage: Guests remember the experience and quality of food
- Venue: Sets the tone for entire event; worth paying for right space
Can be budget-conscious on:
- Flowers & Décor: DIY or simple arrangements achieve good visual effect
- Favors: Most guests don't remember; skip or go minimal
- Stationery: Digital invitations or simple printed versions work fine
- Entertainment: Good DJ better than expensive entertainment
Contingency & Hidden Costs
Always budget 5-10% for unexpected costs:
- Vendor tips and gratuities
- Last-minute changes or additions
- Wedding day emergency supplies
- License and permit fees
- Parking and valet (at venue)
Limitations and Assumptions
- Costs are estimates: Your actual costs depend on location, season, and vendor selection
- Regional variation: Costs vary dramatically by geography (NYC vs. rural areas)
- Doesn't include: Engagement party, rehearsal dinner, bachelor/bachelorette parties, honeymoon
- Percentages are guidelines: Adjust based on your priorities
- Inflation: Prices increase annually; budget for current year rates
Conclusion
A successful wedding isn't about spending the most, but spending smartly. By understanding the typical cost breakdown, identifying your priorities, and using contingency wisely, you can create a beautiful, meaningful wedding that fits your budget.