Wedding Budget Calculator
Split your total wedding budget into venue, catering, photography, attire, flowers, music and more, with cost per guest and a contingency buffer.
Most couples start with a total figure and then have to work out what it means for each vendor. This calculator splits your wedding budget into the main categories using a common starting split you can change, then shows the amount for each, the cost per guest and the food-and-venue spend per head — the number caterers and venues quote.
How to use this tool
- Enter your total budget and the expected number of guests.
- Adjust the percentage for each category to match your priorities; the defaults are a starting point.
- Keep the shares at or below 100% — anything left over shows as not yet allocated.
- Use the per-guest figures to compare venue and catering quotes.
Formula
Category amount = budget × share ÷ 100
Cost per guest = budget ÷ guests
The default split puts 45% on venue, catering and bar, 12% on photography and video, 8% each on attire, flowers and music, a few percent on stationery, transport, ceremony and favors, and holds back 10% as a contingency buffer. The buffer covers items couples often forget: service charges, sales tax, vendor meals, tips and overtime.
Example
With $35,000 for 120 guests, the budget works out to $291.67 per guest. Venue, catering and bar get $15,750, or $131.25 a head — so a caterer quoting $110 per person plus bar leaves little room. Photography and video get $4,200, attire $2,800, and $3,500 is kept as a buffer.
Frequently asked questions
What takes the biggest share of a wedding budget?
The reception — venue, food and drink — is almost always the largest item, often around 40–50% of the total. Cutting the guest list is usually the most effective way to lower costs.
Should rings and the honeymoon be included?
Many couples budget them separately. If yours come out of the same pot, lower the other shares or add them under favors and gifts.
How big should the contingency buffer be?
Around 5–10% is a sensible cushion. Vendor quotes often exclude tax, service charges and gratuities, which can add a noticeable amount at the end.
Last updated: 2026-10-30