Wedding Budget Calculator

Plan your perfect wedding with our comprehensive budget calculator. Track expenses, allocate funds across categories, and ensure your special day stays within budget.

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Calculate Your Wedding Budget

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Enter your total wedding budget amount

Estimated number of wedding guests

Adjust percentages based on your priorities. Total must equal 100%.

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Total:
100% $20,000

Add your own custom budget categories

Wedding Budget Planning Guide

Planning a wedding budget is one of the most important first steps in the wedding planning process. Understanding how much you can afford to spend and how to allocate those funds will help you make informed decisions and avoid financial stress during what should be a joyful time.

Why Create a Wedding Budget?

A well-planned wedding budget:

  • Prevents overspending and post-wedding debt
  • Helps prioritize what matters most to you as a couple
  • Provides a framework for making decisions throughout the planning process
  • Reduces stress by eliminating financial uncertainty
  • Creates a roadmap for vendor negotiations

Understanding Wedding Costs

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is approximately $28,000, but this varies dramatically based on location, guest count, and style preferences. Here's a breakdown of the typical wedding budget allocation:

Venue & Catering (40-50%)

This typically represents the largest portion of most wedding budgets. The per-guest cost for food and beverage usually ranges from $65-$225 per person depending on location, service style, and menu choices.

Photography & Videography (10-15%)

Professional photography packages range from $2,000-$5,000+ for full-day coverage. Videography typically adds $1,500-$5,000 depending on hours and editing style.

Attire & Beauty (8-10%)

Wedding dresses typically range from $1,000-$3,000, with alterations adding $300-$500. Groom attire ranges from $200-$800. Hair and makeup services cost approximately $150-$600 for the bride.

Flowers & Decor (8-10%)

Floral expenses include bridal bouquets ($150-$350), bridesmaid bouquets ($75-$150 each), boutonnieres ($15-$25 each), ceremony arrangements, centerpieces, and other decor elements.

Steps to Create Your Wedding Budget

  1. Determine your total budget: Have honest conversations with your partner and any family members who may be contributing to understand the total amount available.
  2. Make a guest list: Your guest count significantly impacts your overall costs, particularly for venue, catering, and rentals.
  3. Identify priorities: Decide which aspects of the wedding are most important to you both and allocate funds accordingly.
  4. Research costs in your area: Wedding expenses vary drastically by location, so research local vendors to get realistic estimates.
  5. Build in a buffer: Set aside 5-10% of your total budget for unexpected expenses or last-minute additions.
  6. Track expenses: Use a spreadsheet, app, or planner to record quotes, deposits, and final payments.

Cost-Saving Strategies

If your dream wedding exceeds your budget, consider these strategies to reduce costs without sacrificing the elements that matter most:

Category Saving Strategy
Date & Time Choose an off-peak season, weekday, or morning/afternoon time slot
Guest List Reduce your guest count or have an adults-only reception
Venue Consider non-traditional venues like parks, community centers, or family properties
Food & Drink Opt for buffet or family-style service instead of plated meals; limit the open bar
Flowers Use in-season blooms, reuse ceremony arrangements at the reception
Attire Shop sample sales, consider pre-owned dresses, or rent formalwear

Hidden Costs to Remember

Several expenses are commonly overlooked when planning a wedding budget:

  • Alterations: Wedding dress alterations can add $300-$800
  • Vendor meals: You'll need to provide meals for your photographer, videographer, and other vendors who work during the reception
  • Service charges and taxes: These can add 20-30% to catering costs
  • Overtime fees: If your celebration runs longer than contracted, vendors may charge overtime rates
  • Tips: Budget 15-20% for service providers like hairstylists, servers, and delivery personnel
  • Postage: For save-the-dates, invitations, and thank you cards
  • Marriage license fees: Typically $50-$100 depending on location

Our Wedding Budget Calculator helps you allocate your funds across all the necessary categories based on typical wedding budget percentages. By planning carefully and prioritizing what matters most to you, you can create a beautiful, memorable wedding that fits your financial situation.

Budget Quick Reference

Typical Cost Ranges

  • • Small wedding (50 guests): $10,000-$15,000
  • • Medium wedding (100 guests): $20,000-$30,000
  • • Large wedding (150+ guests): $30,000-$50,000+
  • • Average cost per guest: $150-$250
  • • Average wedding in US: $28,000

Budget Timeline

  • • 12+ months: Set total budget
  • • 10-12 months: Book venue & major vendors
  • • 6-8 months: Secure attire & rings
  • • 4-6 months: Order invitations
  • • 2-3 months: Final payments due

Budget Planning Tips

  • Create a dedicated wedding bank account to track expenses
  • Read contracts carefully and note payment deadlines
  • Keep track of all deposits and final payments in a spreadsheet
  • Ask about payment plans with vendors to spread out costs
  • Set aside 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses

Top Cost-Saving Ideas

  1. Choose an off-season wedding date (November-April)
  2. Consider a Friday or Sunday wedding instead of Saturday
  3. Limit the guest list to close family and friends
  4. Choose a venue that allows outside catering
  5. Create digital invitations and RSVPs
  6. Borrow décor items from recently married friends
  7. Shop sample sales for wedding attire
  8. Use in-season and locally grown flowers
  9. DIY simple elements like favors and place cards
  10. Book vendors who are just starting out in the industry

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