Planning by percentage keeps spending balanced. Venue and catering usually take the largest share.
How to use the Wedding Budget Calculator
- Total budget
- Number of guests
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Your total budget is divided using common planning percentages that you can adjust in your own plan.
Tips
- Results are estimates meant for planning and fun – adjust the inputs to match your situation.
- Everything runs in your browser, so you can try as many variations as you like.
- Share the result link with friends so everyone sees the same numbers.
- For safety-related hobbies (hammocks, balloons, tents), follow the manufacturer’s limits.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using default values when you know your own figures.
- Treating rough rules of thumb as exact.
- Forgetting to add breaks, travel or setup time.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Total budget | Amount in your currency |
| Number of guests | A number |
What each result means
- Venue & catering (45%) = [Total budget]×0.45
- Photo & video (12%) = [Total budget]×0.12
- Attire & beauty (8%) = [Total budget]×0.08
- Music & entertainment (8%) = [Total budget]×0.08
- Flowers & decor (8%) = [Total budget]×0.08
- Rings (3%) = [Total budget]×0.03
- Stationery, favours, transport & misc. (16%) = [Total budget]×0.16
- Cost per guest = [Total budget]÷[Number of guests]
Example values
How the main result changes when Total budget changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Total budget | Venue & catering (45%) |
|---|---|
| 12,500 | 5,625 |
| 18,750 | 8,437.5 |
| 25,000 | 11,250 |
| 31,250 | 14,062.5 |
| 37,500 | 16,875 |
| 50,000 | 22,500 |
Formula
Category budget = total × category shareWorked example
Inputs — Total budget: $25,000; Number of guests: 100.
Results — Venue & catering (45%) = $11,250.00; Photo & video (12%) = $3,000.00; Attire & beauty (8%) = $2,000.00; Music & entertainment (8%) = $2,000.00; Flowers & decor (8%) = $2,000.00; Rings (3%) = $750.00; Stationery, favours, transport & misc. (16%) = $4,000.00; Cost per guest = $250.00.
Frequently asked questions
Are these percentages fixed?
No, they are a planning starting point; adjust to your priorities.
How do I cut costs?
Reduce the guest list, choose an off-peak date or limit the bar.
What formula does the Wedding Budget Calculator use?
Category budget = total × category share.