Plan Your Wedding Budget
Free wedding cost calculator & budget breakdown — estimate your total by guest count, region and style, then see exactly where every dollar goes.
Calculate My Wedding CostAverage US wedding cost in 2026 — The Knot survey of 10,474 couples.
See the full 2026 cost guide →
Where Does the Money Go?
A typical $35,000 budget, split by category. Full breakdown guide →
Everything You Need to Budget Smart
Three free resources — no sign-up, no fees.
Wedding Cost Calculator
Two modes: estimate your total from guests, region and style — or enter your budget and get an instant category-by-category allocation.
Budget Breakdown Guide
The standard percentage model explained, how to adjust it to your priorities, and worked examples at $20k, $35k and $50k.
2026 Average Cost Guide
What weddings actually cost this year — national averages, cost by guest count, and regional price ranges from industry surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the budgeting questions every couple asks.
How much does a wedding cost on average in the US?
According to The Knot's 2026 survey of 10,474 couples, the average US wedding costs about $34,200, not including the honeymoon. Zola's survey puts the figure near $36,000. Your actual cost depends on guest count, region, and style — see our 2026 average cost guide for the details.
How much should I budget per wedding guest?
A common planning estimate is $110–$180 per guest for catering and bar in a mid-size city. Once venue, rentals, and entertainment are included, total per-guest costs often land between $300 and $500. Our cost calculator estimates this for your specific guest count and region.
What is the biggest wedding expense?
The venue and catering are typically the two largest expenses — roughly 30% for the venue and 23% for catering and bar, or about half the total budget combined.
How do I split my wedding budget by category?
Start with the standard split — venue 30%, catering 23%, photo/video 12%, attire & beauty 8%, flowers & decor 8%, music 7%, cake 3%, invitations 3%, transportation 2%, contingency 4% — then shift points toward what matters most to you. The breakdown guide shows how.
Can I plan a wedding for $20,000?
Yes. A $20,000 budget usually means a guest list around 50, a non-peak date or venue, and prioritizing two or three categories while keeping the rest simple. Try the budget allocator with $20,000 to see a realistic split.
Is a wedding cost calculator accurate?
Calculators give planning estimates based on survey averages — not vendor quotes. Real prices vary by vendor, season, and city. Use the estimate as your starting point, then collect real quotes to refine it. Read our methodology to see exactly where our numbers come from.