Wedding Budget Calculator
Let’s face it, weddings have become super expensive. Though it is tempting to give into friends, family and social media when planning your wedding, you don’t have to. If you are looking for ways to save on your big day, try our wedding budget calculator.
The cost of a wedding has grown exponentially in the last 10 years. The average wedding in 2023 cost over $29,000.
Here’s what the split looks like:
Essentials
Considerables
Extras
Estimate how much will your wedding cost
Enter your details to continue with your budget
How to use our wedding budget calculator?
1. Enter your wedding budget details
Input some information about your wedding budget or estimated wedding budget. We have divided the expenses into three categories: Wedding essentials (what you absolutely need), Wedding considerables (what would be nice to have) and Wedding accoutrements (what would add a little bit of sparkle to your big day.)
2. Compare wedding budget plans
Use our calculator to estimate the cost of your wedding. You have an option to use average costs of venues, flowers, attire, catering, music, etc., according to recent data from The Wedding Report but you need to enter your numbers to compute your total cost.
3. Add it up to see if you are in line with your wedding budget
At the bottom, you’ll see how the total cost compares to your original budget.
4. Didn’t meet your budget?
You can go back to each wedding expenses category and change your number inputs until you are satisfied with your budget.
Latest wedding cost estimates / Average wedding costs per state in 2023
In Zola’s First Look Report for 2023 it was found that the average wedding cost for couples getting married this year total around $29,000. This is up slightly from $28,000 in 2022.
State
Cost
Alabama
$20,208
Alaska
$12,083
Arkansas
$14,545
Arizona
$22,845
California
$32,369
Colorado
$25,625
Connecticut
$31,350
Delaware
$19,643
DC
$40,939
Florida
$28,121
View More
How to plan a wedding budget / where to begin?
The way you allocate your total budget matters to get the most bang for your buck. Where should you save and where should you splurge? How many guests should you include? Here are a few simple steps on creating a wedding budget :
- Count your cash: You and your fiancé need to decide what the size of your wedding budget is and where the money is coming from. Ask yourselves these questions:
- How much do you have in your savings and how much of your savings do you want to use for your wedding?
- Will you have enough money left over for an emergency fund?
- How much money from your current income do you want to contribute?
- Will your family or friends be contributing to your wedding expenses at all and if so, how much?
- Divide your spending into three categories on a spreadsheet: Estimated, modified and actual. Estimates will be based on costs you have researched, modified will factor in the proposals from potential vendors, and actual is what you will spend. Also include an extras or miscellaneous section for expenses you will ultimately forget.
- Know what to include in your budget: This will vary based on the type of ceremony you have but these are the items included in most weddings you need to account for:
- Venue
- Rental fees for tables and chairs
- Officiant’s fee
- Marriage license
- Catering
- Alcohol
- Wedding cake
- Wedding favors for guests
- Flowers and decor
- Photographer/videographer
- Music and entertainment
- Invitations/stationery
- Bride and groom attire
- Hairstyling/makeup
- Transportation
- Rehearsal dinner
Now that you know what you need to set your budget try out the wedding budget calculator now!
Still need help with your wedding budget?
We can help you find a wedding loan specifically tailored to help you celebrate your day the way you want to.
Budget tips for wedding party and guests
Went over budget? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. A survey by The Knot of 15,000 couples in the U.S. found that 49% spent more than they'd planned by an average of $6,373. But what is great about the wedding budget calculator is that you can figure out where you need to trim costs or where you can add them if you were underbudget.
Do you want a bigger guest list, or would you rather have a live band over a DJ? Maybe you want to spend more on photography? Revisit your expenses and discuss with your partner what you really value.
Wedding guests also must spend a fair amount of money on gifts, attire, and travel expenses so a budgeting plan can be handy for them as well. As for how much a wedding guest is expected to give to a couple for their wedding, experts say single guests should give about $100-150 at weddings and $200-250 for couples, which is approximately how much it would cost to cover their food and beverage. Or try following a “20-20-60” principle: Bridal showers and engagement gifts should be about a third of the price that you spend on a wedding gift.
Related: How much money should you give for a wedding?Do you want a bigger guest list, or would you rather have a live band over a DJ? Maybe you want to spend more on photography? Revisit your expenses and discuss with your partner what you really value.
Wedding guests also must spend a fair amount of money on gifts, attire, and travel expenses so a budgeting plan can be handy for them as well. As for how much a wedding guest is expected to give to a couple for their wedding, experts say single guests should give about $100-150 at weddings and $200-250 for couples, which is approximately how much it would cost to cover their food and beverage. Or try following a “20-20-60” principle: Bridal showers and engagement gifts should be about a third of the price that you spend on a wedding gift.
