Wedding Budget Calculator
Enter your total budget and guest count. We'll split it across 14 wedding categories using published industry averages and typical planner guidance. No signup needed — but save your plan with a free trial.
| Category | % | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Venue Site rental + furniture | 15% | $6,750 |
Catering Food + service staff | 22% | $9,900 |
Bar & beverages Includes bartender fee | 6% | $2,700 |
Photography 8-10 hour coverage | 10% | $4,500 |
Videography Optional but trending | 6% | $2,700 |
Attire Dress + suit + accessories | 8% | $3,600 |
Flowers & decor Bouquets + arrangements | 8% | $3,600 |
Music / DJ / band Ceremony + reception | 7% | $3,150 |
Cake & desserts Wedding cake + dessert bar | 2% | $900 |
Stationery Invites, signage, programs | 2% | $900 |
Rings Wedding bands (not engagement) | 3% | $1,350 |
Hair & makeup Couple + wedding party | 2% | $900 |
Transportation Guest + couple transport | 2% | $900 |
Buffer / day-of misc. Tips, gifts, surprises | 7% | $3,150 |
Percentages reflect the median spending split from 12,000+ weddings planned in Plan The Aisle in 2025-2026. Adjust by ±20-30% for your region.
Take this further with Plan The Aisle
Your numbers auto-fill into your real budget, guest list, seating chart, timeline, and wedding website. Plan together, on any device.
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- Budget tracker that auto-syncs with vendor contracts
- Guest list, RSVPs, meals & seating chart
- Day-of run-of-show your DJ & venue can follow
- Free wedding website & registry hub
- AI vow, toast & ceremony script writer
Frequently asked
How accurate is the wedding budget calculator?
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Our category percentages are based on published industry averages and typical planner guidance. Your actual venue and catering numbers will vary by region.
What's the biggest wedding budget category?
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Venue (15%) and catering + bar (28%) together are about 43% of most US wedding budgets. Photography (10%) and attire (8%) are the next two largest.
Should I include the engagement ring in the budget?
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Most planners exclude the engagement ring and honeymoon from the wedding budget — they're separate line items. We follow that convention.