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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

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

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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: Feb 12, 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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