Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan your wedding budget with a detailed breakdown by category, adjusted for location and season
Percentages are automatically normalized to 100%
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Quick summary
This calculator applies location and season multipliers to your total budget, then breaks it down by category using the industry-standard percentage splits. You can customize each category percentage and the calculator will auto-normalize to 100%.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Budget Calculation Formula
Adjusted Budget
- Location Multiplier
- Urban: 1.3, Suburban: 1.0, Rural: 0.75
- Season Multiplier
- Peak (May–Oct): 1.15, Off-peak: 0.90
Worked example
$30,000 budget, suburban, peak season
- Given
- Budget = $30,000Location = 1.0Season = 1.15
- Calculation
- Result
- $34,500 adjusted budget
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a wedding in the US?
The national average wedding cost in the US is approximately $30,000–$35,000, though costs vary enormously by location, guest count, and choices. Urban weddings in New York or San Francisco can exceed $80,000.
How much should I budget for catering?
Catering is typically the largest single expense at 35% of the wedding budget. Per-person catering costs range from $50 (buffet, rural) to $300+ (plated, urban).
When is the cheapest time to get married?
Off-peak months (November–April) and weekday or Sunday weddings can reduce costs by 10–30%. January and February are typically the least expensive months.
Key terms
- Peak Season
- May through October — the most popular and expensive months for weddings.
- Location Multiplier
- A cost factor based on geographic area. Urban venues cost significantly more than rural ones.
- Per Person Cost
- Total wedding cost divided by number of guests — a useful benchmark when comparing venues.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.