Wedding Budget Calculator
Split a wedding or event budget into categories by percentage or amount, see the cost per guest, or find how many guests a budget allows at a cost per head plus fixed costs.
Result…
How it's calculated
Category amount = budget × % ÷ 100 (or the amount you enter) Not yet allocated = budget − sum of the categories Cost per guest = budget ÷ guests Guests a budget allows = ⌊(budget − fixed costs) ÷ cost per guest⌋
Two views of an event budget. "Budget by category" takes your total and a list of categories, each a share of the budget ("Venue 40%") or an amount ("Venue 9000"), works out each one, and shows how much is still unallocated or how far the plan runs over, with the budget per guest. The starting list is only an example of the format: it is not a typical split, and none of its figures are averages. "Guests a budget allows" separates fixed costs, which stay the same however many people come, from the cost each guest adds, and finds the largest whole number of guests that fits. It works for weddings, parties and other events.
Your numbers, step by step
About the Wedding Budget calculator
This wedding budget calculator plans an event budget two ways. In “Budget by category” you enter your total and list the categories, each as a share of the budget (“Venue 40%”) or a fixed amount (“Photography 2500”); it works out every line, shows how much is still unallocated or how far the plan runs over, and gives the budget per guest. In “Guests a budget allows” you separate the fixed costs, which stay the same however many people come, from the cost each guest adds, and it finds the largest guest list the budget covers. The starting category list only shows the format: it is an example, not a typical or recommended split, and no average prices are built in. It works the same for a party, a reunion or any event, and the steps show every sum.
How to use it
- Choose what to work out in “Work out”.
- Enter your “Total budget”.
- For a split, enter “Guests” and replace the example in “Categories, one per line” with your own lines, such as “Venue 40%” or “Flowers 1200”.
- For a guest count, enter the “Cost per guest” from your catering quote and the “Fixed costs”, and optionally “Guests you plan to invite”.
- Read the amounts per category, what is left, and the cost per guest or the guests the budget allows.
Worked example
A budget of 18,000 has fixed costs of 7,000 (venue hire, photographer, music) and each guest adds 70 for food and drink. That leaves 18,000 − 7,000 = 11,000 for guests, and 11,000 ÷ 70 = 157.1, so the budget allows 157 guests. They would cost 7,000 + 157 × 70 = 17,990, leaving 10, an all-in cost of about 114.65 per guest. A guest list of 140 would cost 7,000 + 140 × 70 = 16,800, which is 1,200 under the budget.
Updated
Questions people ask
How do I work out how many guests I can afford?
Take the fixed costs away from the budget and divide what is left by the cost each guest adds, then round down. Get the per-guest figure from the caterer's quote, including drinks and service if they charge per head.
What is the formula for cost per guest at a wedding?
Cost per guest = total budget ÷ number of guests. It mixes fixed and per-head costs, so it falls as the guest list grows even though each extra guest still costs the per-head price.
What percentage of a wedding budget goes to each category?
There is no standard answer: it depends on the country, the season and what matters to you. The starting list here is only an example of the format, so replace it with your own priorities and quotes.
What is a common mistake when splitting an event budget?
Allocating 100% with nothing set aside. Keep a contingency line for service charges, taxes, deposits and last-minute extras, and check whether quotes include them. If you are saving up for it, the budget calculator shows what your monthly income leaves to put aside.
Can I mix percentages and amounts in the category list?
Yes. Lines ending in % are worked out as a share of the total budget and the others are taken as amounts, then everything is added and compared with the budget.
Does this tell me what my wedding will really cost?
No. It does the arithmetic on the figures you enter; venues may have minimum numbers and caterers often price in tiers. Check quotes and contracts, and for questions about paying for it, a qualified financial adviser can help.