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💍 Wedding Budget Calculator

Enter your total wedding budget and see recommended allocations by category. Adjust actuals and track your running total vs budget in real time.

Average Wedding Costs (US, 2024)

The national average wedding cost in the US is approximately $35,000. Here is how it typically breaks down:

Venue $10,000–$16,000
Catering $8,000–$13,000
Photography $3,500–$5,000
Flowers $1,500–$3,000
Music $1,200–$3,500
Attire $1,500–$4,000
Stationery $400–$800
Misc. $1,000–$2,000

Frequently Asked Questions

The venue typically accounts for 25–35% of a wedding budget. When combined with catering (which is often tied to the venue), food and venue together typically represent 50–60% of total wedding spend.

Popular venues and photographers book 12–18 months in advance for peak dates (May–October, Saturdays). For off-peak dates or less in-demand vendors, 6–9 months is often sufficient. Florists and cake makers typically need 3–6 months.

Most venue fees cover only the space. Catering, bar service, linens, chairs, audiovisual equipment, parking, security, and officiant fees are usually separate costs that need to be budgeted individually.

Opt for a weekday or off-peak season wedding, limit the guest list (catering is the biggest variable cost), use a restaurant or non-traditional venue, choose digital invitations, simplify the floral design, and hire a local DJ instead of a band.

Yes, wedding insurance is worth considering. Policies typically cost $150–$600 and cover cancellation due to illness, vendor failure, or severe weather. Some policies also include liability coverage for venue-required certificates.

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