Wedding Budget Calculator

Where these percentages come from

These shares are the industry-standard starting split used by wedding planners:

• Venue & rentals — 40%. Usually the single biggest line: ceremony and reception space, tables, chairs, linens.
• Catering & cake — 25%. Food, drinks, service staff, and the cake.
• Photo & video — 10%. The memories outlast everything else — most couples say this was worth it.
• Attire & beauty — 5%. Dress/suit, alterations, hair, and makeup.
• Flowers & décor — 5%. Bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony décor.
• Music & entertainment — 5%. DJ or band, plus ceremony music.
• Misc & buffer — 10%. Stationery, favors, tips, transportation — and a cushion, because something always costs more than expected.

Keep in mind

• These are starting points, not rules. A backyard wedding shifts money from venue to catering; a city wedding often needs more for venue.
• Always get real quotes — costs vary enormously by region and season.
• Not financial advice. This is a planning estimate, not professional guidance.