Turn your total wedding budget and guest count into a spending plan per category and a cost per guest. The category split is an editable starting point, not survey data.
By TanLabs · Formulas cross-checked against the free spreadsheet · Updated 2026-10-31 · Runs in your browser – nothing you type is sent anywhere
With total budget $20,000, guest count 80:
Per guest: $250
Venue & catering $9,000 · Photo & video $2,400 · Attire & beauty $1,600 · Music & entertainment $1,600 · Flowers & decor $1,600 · Rings $1,000 · Stationery & favors $800 · Other & buffer $2,000
Change any number above – the result, chart and table update instantly. Use Copy link to save or share your exact scenario.
Category amount = total × category share (default shares are editable placeholders). Cost per guest = total ÷ guests.
Default split at $10,000, the US median of $24,000 and the US average of $34,000 (The Knot, couples married in 2025):
| Category (share) | $10,000 | $24,000 | $34,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue & catering (45%) | $4,500 | $10,800 | $15,300 |
| Photo & video (12%) | $1,200 | $2,880 | $4,080 |
| Attire & beauty (8%) | $800 | $1,920 | $2,720 |
| Music (8%) | $800 | $1,920 | $2,720 |
| Flowers & decor (8%) | $800 | $1,920 | $2,720 |
| Rings (5%) | $500 | $1,200 | $1,700 |
| Stationery (4%) | $400 | $960 | $1,360 |
| Buffer (10%) | $1,000 | $2,400 | $3,400 |
| Per guest at 100 guests | $100 | $240 | $340 |
The Knot reported an average of 117 guests and about $292 per guest in 2025. Guest count is the biggest lever: every guest adds catering, drinks, seats and stationery.
They are a simple default for planning, not survey averages. Change them in the free template to match your priorities.
Last-minute costs and fees appear in almost every event budget.
Guest count – venue and catering scale with it.
The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study reported an average of $34,000 and a median of $24,000 for US weddings in 2025. Costs vary a lot by state and guest count.
Choose a weekday or off-season date, a buffet or family-style meal, a limited bar and a shorter guest list.
Most couples pay for it separately. Our default includes 5% for wedding bands; set it to 0 if you bought them already.
Sources: The Knot Worldwide – 2026 Real Weddings Study