Wedding Budget Calculator
The average US wedding costs about $36,000 in 2026 — but the median is closer to $18,000, and what matters is how YOUR number splits across categories. Slide your budget and guest count — everything updates instantly. Your inputs save automatically, and you can share or email your plan at the end.
💰 Wedding Budget Calculator
The data behind the percentages
Allocations reflect 2026 industry reporting: venue + catering typically consume 40–45% of total budget; photography 8–12%; entertainment 8–12%; flowers and décor 8–10%; attire 5–8%; stationery 2–3% — and hidden costs (service charges, gratuities, overtime) add 9–15%, which is why the buffer line exists. Average cost per guest runs $290–$300. Sources: Zola, industry cost reports 2026.
The line item brides forget: thank-yous
Parents who paid, the maid of honor who held it together, each other. The “gifts & favors” 2% covers it — and the highest-mileage option in that budget is personal: your first-dance song on canvas for each set of parents (from $48). It reads as a $200 gift because it's about the day itself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average wedding cost in 2026?
The average US wedding costs about $36,000 in 2026, but the median is closer to $18,000 — meaning many weddings cost far less. The biggest driver is guest count, at roughly $290–$300 per guest.
How should I split my wedding budget by category?
A typical split: venue + catering 40–45%, photography 8–12%, entertainment 8–12%, flowers & décor 8–10%, attire 5–8%, stationery 2–3%, and a 9–15% buffer for hidden costs. The calculator above does the math for your exact number.
What hidden wedding costs do couples forget?
Service charges, gratuities, overtime fees, vendor meals, and weather contingencies typically add 9–15% on top of vendor quotes. Always budget a buffer line — this calculator includes one by default.
How much does cutting the guest list save?
At ~$290–$300 per guest, trimming the list is the single most powerful lever. Cutting from 150 to 100 guests can save roughly $15,000. Slide the guest count above to see your own number move.
More free wedding tools
Wedding planning timeline · Interactive checklist · Guest gift spend calculator · Gift finder quiz · Anniversary year finder
Budget allocations reflect 2026 US wedding-industry reporting (Zola, The Knot, and published cost studies). Figures are planning estimates — your real costs vary by region, season, and vendor.