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Wedding Budget Calculator

Plan your perfect wedding within budget

Wedding Budget

$30,000

Per Guest

$300

Tips

$1,500

Contingency

$1,500

Adjust priorities with + / - buttons

Venue & Catering

45%

Photography & Video

12%

Attire & Beauty

8%

Flowers & Decor

8%

Music & Entertainment

8%

Invitations

3%

Transportation

3%

Favors & Gifts

3%

Total Budget

$30,000

Per Guest

$300

Tips (~5%)

$1,500

Contingency

$1,500

Category Breakdown

Venue & Catering
45%$13,500
Photography & Video
12%$3,600
Attire & Beauty
8%$2,400
Flowers & Decor
8%$2,400
Music & Entertainment
8%$2,400
Invitations
3%$900
Transportation
3%$900
Favors & Gifts
3%$900

Savings Opportunities

  • $Switch to off-peak season to save 20-30%
  • $Brunch/lunch reception saves 30-40% on catering
  • $Digital save-the-dates save $200-400

What You'll Need

Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set 6-Pack

Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set 6-Pack

$30-$404.3
View on Amazon
Dixie Ultra Heavy Duty Paper Plates 10" 172-Count

Dixie Ultra Heavy Duty Paper Plates 10" 172-Count

$25-$354.6
View on Amazon
Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders Table Stands

Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders Table Stands

$7-$104.5
View on Amazon
Fairy Lights 99ft 300 LEDs Warm White String Lights

Fairy Lights 99ft 300 LEDs Warm White String Lights

$12-$184.5
View on Amazon
Large White Serving Trays 16"x11" 4-Pack

Large White Serving Trays 16"x11" 4-Pack

$12-$184.4
View on Amazon
TONIFUL 12" Metallic Balloon Arch Kit 100pcs

TONIFUL 12" Metallic Balloon Arch Kit 100pcs

$12-$184.5
View on Amazon
Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set 6-Pack

Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set 6-Pack

$30-$404.3
View on Amazon
Dixie Ultra Heavy Duty Paper Plates 10" 172-Count

Dixie Ultra Heavy Duty Paper Plates 10" 172-Count

$25-$354.6
View on Amazon
Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders Table Stands

Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders Table Stands

$7-$104.5
View on Amazon
Fairy Lights 99ft 300 LEDs Warm White String Lights

Fairy Lights 99ft 300 LEDs Warm White String Lights

$12-$184.5
View on Amazon
Large White Serving Trays 16"x11" 4-Pack

Large White Serving Trays 16"x11" 4-Pack

$12-$184.4
View on Amazon
TONIFUL 12" Metallic Balloon Arch Kit 100pcs

TONIFUL 12" Metallic Balloon Arch Kit 100pcs

$12-$184.5
View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much does the average wedding cost in the US?

The average US wedding costs $30,000-$35,000, but varies widely by location. NYC and San Francisco average $50,000+, while Midwest weddings average $20,000-$25,000. Cost per guest typically ranges from $150-$300.

  • National average: $33,000 (2024 data, up 4% from 2023)
  • Cost per guest: $150–$300 depending on region and venue
  • Most expensive cities: NYC ($65,000), SF ($52,000), Boston ($48,000)
  • Most affordable regions: Midwest ($22,000), South ($27,000)
  • Guest count is the single biggest cost driver at $200+ per head
RegionAverage CostAvg Per GuestAvg Guest Count
Northeast$45,000–$65,000$300–$450120–150
West Coast$38,000–$55,000$275–$400100–130
South$25,000–$35,000$175–$250130–170
Midwest$20,000–$28,000$150–$200120–160
Q

How should I allocate my wedding budget?

Typical allocation: Venue/catering 45-50%, photography/video 10-12%, attire/beauty 8-10%, flowers/decor 8-10%, music/entertainment 8-10%, invitations 2-3%, transportation 2-3%, favors/gifts 2-3%.

  • Venue & catering: 45–50% ($13,500–$15,000 on a $30K budget)
  • Photography & video: 10–12% ($3,000–$3,600)
  • Flowers & decor: 8–10% ($2,400–$3,000)
  • Music & entertainment: 8–10% ($2,400–$3,000)
  • Reserve 10% for tips (5%) and contingency (5%)
Category% of Budget$30K Budget$50K Budget
Venue & Catering45–50%$13,500–$15,000$22,500–$25,000
Photography/Video10–12%$3,000–$3,600$5,000–$6,000
Flowers & Decor8–10%$2,400–$3,000$4,000–$5,000
Music/Entertainment8–10%$2,400–$3,000$4,000–$5,000
Attire & Beauty8–10%$2,400–$3,000$4,000–$5,000
Tips + Contingency10%$3,000$5,000
Q

What are hidden wedding costs to budget for?

Common hidden costs: vendor tips (15-20% for most vendors), alterations ($200-$500), marriage license ($30-$100), vendor meals, overtime fees, cake cutting fees, corkage fees, and a 10-15% emergency fund.

  • Vendor tips: $1,500–$3,000 total (15–20% for catering, DJ, beauty)
  • Dress alterations: $200–$500 on top of purchase price
  • Marriage license: $30–$100 depending on county
  • Cake cutting fee: $1–$3 per slice at hotel venues
  • Corkage fee: $15–$35 per bottle for outside wine
Q

How much should I tip wedding vendors?

Tipping guide: Catering staff 15-20%, bartenders $20-50 each, DJ/band 10-15%, photographer 10-15% or $50-$200, officiant $50-$100, hair/makeup 15-20%, drivers 15-20%. Tips are typically given day-of in cash.

  • Catering staff: 15–20% of food/beverage bill (often split among team)
  • Bartenders: $20–$50 each, or 10–15% of bar tab
  • DJ or band: $50–$150 per person, or 10–15% of fee
  • Photographer: $50–$200, or 10–15% of package price
  • Hair/makeup artist: 15–20% of service cost per person
VendorTip AmountWhen to Tip
Catering staff15–20% of billEnd of reception
DJ / Band$50–$150 per personEnd of reception
Photographer$50–$200 or 10–15%Day-of, in envelope
Officiant$50–$100Before ceremony
Hair/Makeup15–20% of serviceAfter styling
Limo/Driver15–20% of fareEnd of ride
Q

How can I save money on my wedding?

Top savings: Off-peak season/day (save 20-30%), brunch/lunch reception (save 40%), fewer guests (biggest impact), DIY flowers/decor, buffet vs plated, digital invitations, venue with in-house catering, all-inclusive packages.

  • Off-peak season (Nov–Mar): Save 20–30% on venue and vendors
  • Friday or Sunday wedding: Save 15–25% vs Saturday
  • Brunch/lunch reception: Save 30–40% on food and drink costs
  • Cut 20 guests: Save $3,000–$6,000 instantly
  • DIY centerpieces: Save $500–$2,000 vs professional florist

Example Calculations

1$30,000 Budget, 100 Guests (Midwest, Outdoor, Peak Season)

Inputs

ModeTotal Budget
Total Budget$30,000
Guests100
RegionMidwest (-10%)
VenueOutdoor
SeasonPeak (May-Oct)

Result

Total Budget$30,000
Per Guest$300
Venue & Catering$13,500
Photography$3,600
Tips (5%)$1,500
Contingency (5%)$1,500

In budget mode, $30,000 is divided per guest = $300 each. Categories use default percentages: Venue/Catering gets 45% of the 90% budget allocation = $13,500. Tips and contingency each get 5% = $1,500.

2150 Guests, Northeast Hotel Wedding (Peak Season)

Inputs

ModeGuest Count
Guests150
RegionNortheast (+40%)
VenueHotel/Ballroom (+20%)
SeasonPeak (May-Oct)

Result

Estimated Budget$60,480
Per Guest$403
Venue & Catering$27,216
Photography$7,258
Tips (5%)$3,024
Contingency (5%)$3,024

Per guest = $200 × 1.4 (NE) × 1.2 (hotel) × 1.2 (peak) = $403.20. Total = 150 × $403.20 = $60,480. Venue allocation = 45% of 90% = $27,216. Tips and contingency each 5% = $3,024.

Formulas Used

Per-Guest Cost (Guest Count Mode)

Per Guest Cost = $200 × Region Multiplier × Venue Multiplier × Season Multiplier

Calculates cost per guest based on a $200 national average adjusted for location, venue, and season.

Where:

$200= National average cost per guest
Region Multiplier= Regional adjustment (e.g., Midwest = 0.9, Northeast = 1.4)
Venue Multiplier= Venue type adjustment (e.g., Outdoor = 1.0, Hotel = 1.2)
Season Multiplier= Season adjustment (Peak = 1.2, Off-peak = 0.8)

Category Allocation

Category Amount = Total Budget × (Category % / 90) × 90%

Allocates budget across categories (90% total), reserving 5% for tips and 5% for contingency.

Where:

Total Budget= Total wedding budget
Category %= Default percentage for each category (e.g., Venue 45%)
90%= Percentage allocated to categories (rest is tips + contingency)

Complete Guide to Wedding Budget Planning

Your wedding budget should reflect your priorities as a couple. Some couples prioritize photography for lasting memories, others focus on the venue experience. Identify your top 3 priorities and allocate more budget there.

The guest count has the biggest impact on cost. Each guest adds $150-300 for food, drinks, and related expenses. Cutting 20 guests can save $3,000-$6,000. Start your budget by deciding on your must-invite list.

Build in a 10-15% contingency fund for unexpected costs. Almost every wedding goes over budget somewhere. Having a buffer prevents stress and allows flexibility for last-minute additions or upgrades.

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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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