Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan your perfect wedding with comprehensive budget tracking. Monitor expenses, compare estimates to actuals, and stay within budget.
Wedding Details
Venue & Catering
Category Total:$10,500 estimated/ $0 actual
Photography & Entertainment
Category Total:$5,500 estimated/ $0 actual
Attire & Beauty
Category Total:$2,500 estimated/ $0 actual
Flowers & Decor
Category Total:$2,500 estimated/ $0 actual
Other Expenses
Category Total:$3,000 estimated/ $0 actual
Master Your Wedding Budget
Planning a wedding is exciting but can quickly become overwhelming without proper budget management. Our wedding budget calculator helps you allocate funds wisely, track expenses in real-time, and ensure you stay within your means while creating your dream celebration.
Budget Planning Features
- ✓ Category-based budget allocation
- ✓ Vendor payment tracking
- ✓ Guest count cost calculator
- ✓ Payment timeline planner
- ✓ Overspend alerts
- ✓ Savings goal tracker
What's Included
- • Average cost benchmarks
- • Vendor comparison tools
- • Hidden cost reminders
- • Tipping guidelines
- • Contract tracking
- • Budget vs actual reports
Complete Wedding Budget Breakdown
| Category | Typical % | $30k Budget | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue & Catering | 45-50% | $13,500-15,000 | Site rental, food, bar, service |
| Photography/Video | 10-12% | $3,000-3,600 | Photographer, videographer, albums |
| Music/Entertainment | 8-10% | $2,400-3,000 | DJ/Band, ceremony music, dance floor |
| Flowers & Decor | 8-10% | $2,400-3,000 | Bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony decor |
| Attire & Beauty | 8-10% | $2,400-3,000 | Dress, suit, alterations, hair, makeup |
| Other Expenses | 10-15% | $3,000-4,500 | Invitations, favors, transport, tips |
Wedding Budget Saving Strategies
Guest List Management
Each guest costs $200-300 on average. Cutting 20 guests from a 150-person wedding saves $4,000-6,000. Consider intimate ceremonies with larger receptions, or adult-only events.
Strategic Timing
Off-season (January-March, July-August) saves 20-30%. Friday or Sunday weddings save 15-25%. Brunch or lunch receptions cost 30-40% less than dinner.
Smart Vendor Selection
Book vendors 9-12 months out for best rates. Bundle services with one vendor for discounts. Consider newer vendors building portfolios for lower rates with quality work.
DIY Opportunities
Save on invitations (60-70%), favors (50%), centerpieces (40-50%), and playlists for cocktail hour. Avoid DIY for photography, catering, or complex florals.
Hidden Wedding Costs to Remember
- Service charges & gratuity: Add 20-30% to vendor quotes for service fees and tips
- Alterations: $500-800 for dress alterations, $100-200 for suit
- Beauty trials: $150-300 for hair and makeup trials
- Vendor meals: $30-50 per vendor (photographer, DJ, coordinators)
- Overtime fees: $150-500/hour if reception runs long
- Delivery & setup: $500-1,500 for flowers, rentals, cake
- Marriage license: $35-150 depending on state
- Postage: $150-300 for save-the-dates and invitations
- Welcome bags: $10-25 per out-of-town guest
- Day-after brunch: $20-40 per guest if hosting
Payment Timeline & Cash Flow
Typical Payment Schedule
- 12+ months before: Venue deposit (25-50%), planner deposit
- 9-11 months: Photographer deposit (25-50%), band/DJ deposit
- 6-8 months: Florist deposit, dress payment, caterer deposit
- 3-4 months: Invitations, attire balance, beauty trials
- 1-2 months: Final headcount, vendor balances (50%)
- Week of: Final payments, tips (have cash/checks ready)
Frequently Asked Questions
Instant Results
Real-time calculations
Mobile Friendly
Works on all devices
100% Private
No data stored