Wedding budget calculator
The median US wedding cost roughly $33,000 in 2024, and a realistic all-in planning figure is $250–$400 per guest. Venue and catering are the largest line items, taking 40–50% of the total; photography and video typically run $2,500–$4,500.
Set your guest count, pick a currency, and edit each line with your own quotes — the calculator updates instantly. No signup, and nothing you enter is stored.
| Line item | Amount | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| Venue rental | $7,000 | |
| Catering & bar (per guest) | / guest | $8,800 |
| Photography & video | $4,500 | |
| Music (DJ or band) | $2,200 | |
| Flowers & decor | $2,400 | |
| Attire (incl. wedding dress) | $2,500 | |
| Wedding cake | $700 | |
| Other (stationery, rings, beauty…) | $3,000 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wedding cost in the US?
The national median was roughly $33,000 in 2024, but the spread is wide: intimate weddings of 30–40 guests are often done for $10,000–$15,000, while 150-guest weddings in major metros regularly pass $50,000.
How much should I budget per guest?
$250–$400 per guest all-in is a realistic planning figure. Catering alone typically runs $85–$150 per guest; the rest covers each guest’s share of venue, rentals, bar, and stationery.
What takes the biggest share of a wedding budget?
Venue and catering together take 40–50% of the total. Photography and video come next at $2,500–$4,500, followed by music, flowers, and attire.
What is the easiest way to cut wedding costs?
Guest count is the strongest lever — every guest costs $250–$400 all-in. After that: a Friday or Sunday date (10–20% less), an off-peak month, and trimming the open bar to beer, wine, and one signature cocktail.