How this calculator works
Your total budget is split by typical shares: about 45% for venue and catering, 12% for photo and video, and smaller shares for everything else, with a little set aside for contingencies. Cost per guest is the total divided by your guest count.
Worked example
With the example values below: Per guest, $300 ($30,000 for 100 guests). Change any number above to run your own.
What you enter
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
| Total budget | $30,000 |
| Guests | 100 |
What weddings cost
Recent industry surveys put the average US wedding at roughly $33,000 to $36,000, with large differences by region and guest count. Guest count is the single biggest driver, because catering, rentals, invitations and often venue size all scale with it.
Cost per guest, which this calculator shows, is a useful way to see how each extra invitation affects the budget.
Typical budget split
- Venue and catering: about 40% to 50%.
- Photography and video: about 10% to 12%.
- Attire and beauty: about 5% to 8%.
- Flowers and decor: about 8% to 10%.
- Music and entertainment: about 5% to 8%.
- Rings, stationery, transportation, favors and a 5% to 10% contingency.
Ways to save
Trim the guest list, choose an off-season or Friday or Sunday date, and look for venues that include catering and rentals. Prioritize the two or three things that matter most to you and keep the rest simple. Save in advance with the savings goal calculator rather than putting costs on credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average wedding cost?
Recent industry surveys put it at roughly $33,000 to $36,000 in the US, varying widely by location and guest count.
How should I split my wedding budget?
A common split is about 45% for venue and catering, 10% to 12% for photography, 8% to 10% for flowers and decor, and smaller shares for attire, music and stationery, with 5% to 10% held back for surprises.
How much does a wedding cost per guest?
Often $200 to $300 per guest, depending on location and style.
Who traditionally pays for a wedding?
Traditions vary, but today many couples pay for most of it themselves, often with help from both families.
How can I have a wedding on a small budget?
Invite fewer guests, choose an off-peak date, use an all-inclusive venue, and focus spending on what matters most to you.
Grow what this calculator projects.
TruthSayer AI sends quantitative stock signals across valuations, earnings and dark-pool activity, each one traded in its own funded account first.
Estimates for planning only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Tax tools use 2026 federal figures (brackets, $16,100 / $32,200 standard deduction, $19,000 gift exclusion, $15M lifetime exemption). Rates shown as defaults are examples; replace them with quotes you actually receive.