How this calculator works
Splits your total into the categories couples usually plan for, using a common starting split (venue, food and drink take the biggest share, and 10% is held back for the extras that always appear). It also shows the cost per guest, because the guest list drives the largest costs, and the amount to save each month to have the rest by the date.
- Category budget = total × the category's share (a common starting split: venue, food and drink 45%, photography and video 12%, music 8%, flowers and decor 8%, attire and beauty 8%, rings 3%, stationery and favors 3%, transportation 2%, officiant and fees 1%, buffer 10%).
- Cost per guest = total ÷ guests.
- Save per month = (total − already saved) ÷ months until the wedding.
Worked example
With these inputs: total wedding budget $30,000; number of guests 100; already saved or promised by family $5,000; months until the wedding 12.
The result is save each month $2,083.33, with cost per guest $300.00 and venue, food and drink per guest $135.00. Cutting the guest list moves the total more than any other change, because venue, food and drink scale with every guest.
How to split a wedding budget
Start with the total you can pay without debt, not with a list of wishes. Then give each category its share. The split above is a planning starting point, not a rule: if photos matter most to you, move a few percent from flowers or favors and keep the total the same.
Keep the 10% buffer. Final guest counts, delivery fees, alterations, tips and the things nobody lists until the last month all come out of it. In the example that's $3,000.00 held back.
The guest list moves the total most
Venue, food and drink scale with every guest, so the guest list is the biggest lever in the whole budget. In the example the venue, food and drink line works out to $135.00 per guest: 20 fewer guests frees about $2,700 for everything else.
If the cost per guest looks high, try the same budget with fewer guests before cutting categories one by one.
Turn the plan into monthly bills
Most vendors take a deposit when you book and the balance a few weeks before the date. Put each payment in a bill tracker with its due date so a deposit never surprises you, and save the monthly amount on payday. The "Add as a monthly bill" button puts the savings amount in the free online bill tracker.
Planning the honeymoon too? The vacation budget calculator does the trip, and the sinking fund calculator spreads any other dated expense across the months you have. Sharing costs with family? The split bill calculator splits any amount equally or by income.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a wedding budget?
Decide the total you can pay, subtract what's already saved, and divide the rest by the months until the date. Then split the total across categories. $30,000 with $5,000 saved and 12 months to go is $2,083.33 a month.
What percentage of a wedding budget goes to the venue?
Venue, food and drink together usually take the largest share. This calculator starts them at 45%, $13,500.00 of a $30,000 budget, because they're paid per guest.
How much does a wedding cost per guest?
Divide the total by the guest count. A $30,000 wedding for 100 guests is $300.00 per guest. The venue, food and drink part alone is $135.00 per guest at a 45% share.
How much should we save each month for our wedding?
Take what's still to save and divide by the months left. With $25,000.00 to go and 12 months, it's $2,083.33 a month. Add it as a monthly bill so it's set aside every payday.
Should a wedding budget include a buffer?
Yes. Holding back about 10% covers the extras that appear late: tips, delivery and setup fees, alterations and a few extra guests.