πŸ’Wedding Budget Calculator

Enter wedding expenses by category to calculate your total wedding budget instantly.

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Breaking Down Wedding Costs by Category

The average US wedding costs around $30,000–$35,000, but the range is huge β€” from under $5,000 for a courthouse elopement to $100,000+ for a luxury event. The biggest single expense is almost always venue and catering, which typically accounts for 40–50% of the total budget.

Photography and videography are next at 10–15%, followed by flowers and decor (8–10%), music and entertainment (5–8%), and the wedding dress (5%). The honeymoon is a separate expense often budgeted at $3,000–$10,000.

To trim costs, the most impactful moves are reducing guest count (food, venue, and invitation costs drop proportionally), choosing an off-peak date (Friday or winter weddings cost 20–40% less), and setting firm priorities for where to splurge vs. save.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a wedding venue?

Popular venues book 12–18 months in advance. For peak dates (May–October, Saturdays), booking 18–24 months out is common. Off-peak dates have more flexibility at 6–12 months.

Should I get wedding insurance?

Wedding insurance ($150–$600) covers cancellation due to illness, vendor no-shows, or weather disasters. It's worth it if you're spending over $15,000 or booking non-refundable vendors.