Wedding budget calculator
Enter your total budget and guest count to see a starting split by category.
Budget per guest: $300
| Category | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & rentalsCeremony and reception space, tables, chairs, linens, tent. | 27.6% | $8,265 |
| Catering, cake & barFood, dessert, alcohol, service staff. | 22.8% | $6,840 |
| Photography & videoPhotographer, videographer, albums. | 9.5% | $2,850 |
| Flowers, lighting & decorBouquets, centerpieces, ceremony decor, lighting. | 8.6% | $2,565 |
| DJ or bandCeremony and reception music, emcee. | 5.7% | $1,710 |
| Attire, hair & makeupDress or suit, alterations, accessories, beauty. | 5.7% | $1,710 |
| Wedding ringsBoth wedding bands. | 4.8% | $1,425 |
| Planner or coordinatorFull planning, partial planning or day-of coordination. | 3.8% | $1,140 |
| Guest entertainmentPhoto booth, games, extras for guests. | 2.9% | $855 |
| TransportationGetaway car, shuttles for guests. | 1.9% | $570 |
| StationerySave-the-dates, invitations, postage, signs. | 0.9% | $285 |
| Officiant & licenseOfficiant fee or donation, marriage license fee. | 0.9% | $285 |
| BufferHeld back for tips, taxes, service charges and surprises. | 5.0% | $1,500 |
This split is a starting point, not a rule. It follows what US couples reported spending on average in a 2026 survey, with 5% held back as a buffer. Your priorities, your city and your wedding type will move these numbers, so change any amount, rename a category or delete the ones you don't need.
Sources:
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