Free Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan every detail of your wedding budget, track estimated vs. actual costs, and see exactly where your money is going — completely free, no account needed.
Always keep a 5–10% buffer for unexpected costs. Hidden expenses like gratuities, alterations, and last-minute additions catch most couples off guard.
How it works
How to plan your wedding budget
Set your total budget
Choose a preset or enter your exact total. This is your spending ceiling.
Estimate each category
Enter estimated costs for every line item across all categories.
Track actuals & payments
As you book vendors, update actual costs and mark items as paid.
Check the summary
Use the Category Summary tab to compare your allocation to typical wedding spending.
FAQ
Wedding budget questions
Common questions about planning and tracking your wedding budget.
What is the average cost of a wedding?+
According to recent surveys, the average US wedding costs between $25,000 and $35,000, but costs vary enormously by region, guest count, and style. Budget weddings can come in under $10,000 while luxury events can exceed $100,000. The biggest drivers are venue, catering, and photography.
How do I set a realistic wedding budget?+
Start with a firm total number based on what you have saved plus any family contributions. Then allocate roughly: 45% to venue and catering, 12% to photography, 10% to flowers and decor, 8% to music, and keep 5–10% as a contingency buffer for surprises.
What should I spend the most on?+
Prioritize what will be most memorable: great food and drinks, a photographer whose work you love (photos last forever), and a venue that fits your vision. These three categories make the biggest impact on your guests' experience.
How much should I keep as a buffer?+
Always reserve 5–10% of your total budget as a contingency. Hidden costs are everywhere — alterations, gratuities, vendor meals, extra hours, weather backup plans, and forgotten fees. Most couples spend 10–15% more than their original estimate.
What costs do people most often forget?+
Common forgotten costs include: vendor meals, gratuities (15–20% on top of catering), marriage license fees, dress alterations, day-of coordination, cake cutting fees (charged by some venues), hotel room blocks, welcome bags, and postage for invitations.
Is it worth hiring a wedding planner?+
Full-service planners typically cost 10–15% of your total budget but can save that much through vendor relationships and avoiding costly mistakes. Day-of coordinators (usually $800–$2,500) are a more affordable option that still greatly reduces stress on the day itself.
More free tools
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Compound Interest Calculator
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Debt Payoff Calculator
Pay off wedding debt faster with extra payment planning.