How much does a wedding cost?
In 2026, the average wedding in the United States costs about $33,000, but couples regularly plan beautiful weddings for under $15,000 and lavish ones for over $100,000. Cost comes down to three things: number of guests, location, and the level of vendor service you choose.
The single biggest cost driver is your guest count. Every additional guest adds an average of $80–$150 in catering, plus rentals, favors, and stationery. Trimming the guest list 10% can save more than 10% on your total budget.
How to use this wedding budget calculator
- Enter your total budget at the top.
- Optionally add your guest count and city — we'll adjust costs for major US and Canadian metros.
- Move the sliders to allocate your budget across categories. The donut chart and dollar amounts update in real time.
- When you're happy with the breakdown, sign up free to save it and start tracking actual expenses.
Wedding budget tips
- Always include a 5% contingency line — surprises are the rule, not the exception.
- Get all-in quotes from vendors. Service charges, gratuity, and tax add 25%+ to catering invoices.
- Photographers, videographers, and venues book 12+ months in advance. Lock these first.
- Save vendor receipts inside the dashboard's budget tracker so you have everything in one place at tax time.