Plan your wedding finances with confidence. Enter your total budget and guest count to get a recommended allocation across every category — from venue and catering to photography and flowers.
Average wedding cost in your region: $28,000-$35,000
Total Budget
$30,000
Cost Per Guest
$250
Cost Per Guest
$250
Upscale tier
120 guests at your $30,000 budget
Guest count impact
Your budget is 9% below the national average of $33,000.
This calculator takes your total budget and breaks it down using industry-standard allocation percentages, adjusted for your region and wedding style. The venue and catering category is the largest at roughly 40% of the budget, followed by photography, decor, and entertainment. The 8% contingency fund is essential — unexpected costs always come up, and having a buffer prevents stressful overspending.
The national average wedding cost is roughly $30,000-$35,000, but this varies dramatically by location. Weddings in major metros like New York or San Francisco often exceed $50,000, while weddings in smaller cities or rural areas can be beautiful for $12,000-$20,000. Guest count is the single biggest driver of total cost.
Venue and catering typically account for 40-50% of the total wedding budget. This is by far the largest expense category. The cost per guest for food and beverage ranges from $50-$100 for budget weddings to $200-$400+ for upscale venues. Choosing a less traditional venue (park, backyard, restaurant buyout) can significantly reduce this cost.
Focus spending on what matters most to you as a couple and cut elsewhere. Common savings strategies: choose an off-peak day (Friday or Sunday) or season, limit the guest list, DIY centerpieces and signage, hire a photographer for fewer hours, skip the DJ in favor of a curated playlist, serve beer and wine only, and consider a brunch or lunch reception instead of dinner.
A wedding planner typically costs 10-15% of your total budget but can save you money through vendor relationships and negotiation skills. At minimum, consider a day-of coordinator ($1,000-$2,500) to manage logistics so you can enjoy the day. For budgets over $30,000, a full planner often pays for themselves in vendor savings and stress reduction.
Monthly Budget Calculator
Enter your income and expenses to get a clear picture of your monthly cash flow. See where your money goes, identify areas to save, and take control of your finances.
Savings Goal Calculator
Find out how long it will take to reach your savings goal, or how much you need to set aside each month. Factor in interest to see how your money grows over time.