How the calculator works
Step 1 — Tell it the basics. Enter your total budget, pick your currency, and set your guest count. Choose a wedding-size preset (Elopement, Intimate, Classic, or Grand) and the calculator tunes sensible starting percentages for you.
Step 2 — Tune the allocation. Drag any category slider, or type an exact dollar amount to lock a category (for example, when the venue quotes you $9,500). Catering is calculated automatically from your guest count × cost per person, because that is how caterers actually price.
Step 3 — Track reality. As vendor quotes come in, expand a category and enter the actual price plus any deposit you have paid. The calculator shows variance per category, total deposits paid, and your remaining balance — turning a one-time estimate into a planning companion you will use for months.
Default wedding budget breakdown
These are the starting percentages for a classic ~120-guest wedding, based on commonly cited industry splits. Every wedding is different — treat them as a starting point, then drag the sliders to match your priorities.
| Category | Default | Typical range |
|---|
| Venue | 25% | 25–35% |
| Catering | 28% | 20–30% |
| Photography & videography | 10% | 8–12% |
| Attire & beauty | 8% | 6–10% |
| Flowers & décor | 7% | 6–10% |
| Entertainment / DJ | 6% | 5–9% |
| Stationery & invitations | 2% | 1–3% |
| Cake | 2% | 1–3% |
| Rings | 2% | 1–3% |
| Transport | 2% | 1–3% |
| Favors & gifts | 2% | 1–3% |
| Buffer / miscellaneous | 6% | 5–10% |
Hidden costs most couples forget
The number-one reason wedding budgets explode is not the big items — it is the small ones nobody budgeted for:
- Taxes and service charges. Catering quotes often exclude 8–10% tax plus 18–22% service charges. In the UK, remember 20% VAT.
- Tips and gratuities. Hair and makeup artists, drivers, delivery crews — budget 15–20% where tipping is customary.
- Vendor meals. Your photographer, videographer, DJ, and planner eat too — usually at the vendor rate, not the guest rate.
- Overtime. Photographers, DJs, and venues charge steep hourly overtime fees when the party runs long.
- Alterations and fittings. Dress and suit alterations routinely add several hundred to attire costs.
- Postage. Save-the-dates plus invitations for 120 guests, some international — postage adds up fast.
- Marriage license and officiant fees. Small line items, frequently forgotten entirely.
This is why the calculator includes a 7% buffer category by default. Protect it — you will need it.
Cost-per-guest benchmarks
Divide your total budget by your guest count. Where do you land?
| Tier | Per guest (USD) | What it looks like |
|---|
| Budget-conscious | Under $100 | Backyard or restaurant wedding, minimal vendors, DIY décor |
| Typical | $100–$250 | Traditional venue, full catering, photographer, DJ |
| Luxury | $250+ | Premium venue, plated dinner, full vendor team, elaborate florals |
The fastest way to cut costs is the guest list: every guest removed saves not just their plate, but their share of rentals, favors, stationery, and cake.
Frequently asked questions
Is this wedding budget calculator really free?
Yes — 100% free, no signup, no account, no email required. Your data is stored only in your own browser.
Which currencies are supported?
US Dollar, British Pound, Euro, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar. Switch the currency dropdown and every amount on the page reformats instantly.
Is my budget saved if I close the page?
Yes. Everything you enter is auto-saved in your browser (localStorage). Come back tomorrow and your budget is exactly as you left it.
Can I share my budget with my partner or planner?
Yes — click “Copy share link” and send it to anyone. The link encodes your full budget; opening it loads the exact same numbers on their device.
How does deposit tracking work?
Expand any category, enter the vendor's actual quote and the deposit you have paid. The calculator shows total paid, total remaining balance, and per-category variance between your estimate and reality.
What if I am planning a micro-wedding or elopement?
Use the Elopement or Intimate preset. The calculator re-tunes the starting percentages — for example, photography takes a bigger share of a small wedding, while catering shrinks.
Does it work for destination weddings?
Yes. Enter your total budget including travel, and use the Buffer category generously — destination weddings have more surprise costs (local taxes, vendor travel fees, currency swings).
How often should I update my budget?
Every time you sign a vendor contract or pay a deposit. A budget you update monthly stays honest; a budget you set once and forget does not.
Can I print my budget or export it?
Yes — the Print button produces a clean one-page summary, and Download CSV exports every category with estimates, actuals, deposits paid, and remaining balance for spreadsheets.
What is a realistic wedding budget in 2026?
It varies enormously by location and guest count. A useful rule of thumb: typical US weddings land around $100–$250 per guest all-in. Enter your numbers above to see where you fall.
What percentage should go to the venue and catering?
Together they are usually the biggest slice: roughly 45–55% combined. If yours totals far above 60%, either trim the guest list or raise the budget — the calculator will flag it.
Do I need to create an account to use the advanced features?
No. Save, share links, CSV export, and deposit tracking all work without any account — your data never leaves your device except through a share link you explicitly copy.