This wedding budget calculator splits your total budget across venue, catering, photography, flowers and every other category. The starting shares follow the latest average costs from The Knot’s 2026 Real Weddings Study, and you can change any of them. It also keeps a buffer for surprises and shows the cost per guest.
| Category | Share (%) |
|---|---|
Average wedding cost
According to The Knot’s 2026 Real Weddings Study of more than 10,000 US couples married in 2025, the average wedding cost $34,200, with 117 guests, or about $292 per guest.
Average cost by category
| Category | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Reception venue | $12,900 |
| Catering | $80 per person |
| Live band | $4,500 |
| Photographer | $3,000 |
| Wedding rings | $3,000 |
| Flowers | $2,800 |
| Alcohol | $2,800 |
| Videographer | $2,300 |
| Wedding dress | $2,100 |
| Wedding planner | $2,100 |
| DJ | $1,800 |
| Cake | $540 |
Not every couple pays for every item, so these averages add up to more than the overall average.
Worked example
With a $30,000 budget and 5% kept aside, $28,500 goes to categories. Using the default shares, the venue gets about $7,410 and catering about $5,415. With 100 guests, the wedding costs $300 per guest.
Ways to cut costs
- Trim the guest list; it drives catering, rentals, stationery and venue size.
- Choose an off-peak month, a Friday or Sunday, or a morning wedding.
- Limit the bar to beer, wine and a signature cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average wedding cost?
$34,200 for US couples married in 2025, according to The Knot’s 2026 Real Weddings Study.
What should take the biggest share of a wedding budget?
Usually the venue and catering together, which often make up close to half the budget.
How much should I keep aside for surprises?
Around 5% to 10% covers forgotten items such as vendor tips, service charges, alterations and postage.
Does the calculator include the engagement ring and honeymoon?
No. The Knot reports these separately; add them to your own planning if you are paying for them from the same savings.
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Sources
Last reviewed: October 2026. For information only; not financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates.