Event budget calculator
A realistic number before you book anything. Enter your event, your guest count, and how you want it to feel, and get the total plus a line-by-line breakdown you can take to vendors. Built from 2026 US planning benchmarks.
Wedding · 100 guests · working budget
$25,000 to $40,000
That's $250 to $400 per guest, all-in. US 2026 planning benchmarks.
Where the money goes
| Line item | Budget range | |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | $3,750 – $8,000 | find vendors → |
| Catering, bar and staff | $7,500 – $16,000 | find vendors → |
| Planner / coordinator | $2,500 – $6,000 | find planners → |
| Photography and video | $2,000 – $4,800 | find vendors → |
| Music / entertainment | $1,250 – $4,000 | find vendors → |
| Florals and decor | $2,000 – $4,800 | find vendors → |
| Rentals (tables, linens, AV) | $1,250 – $3,200 | find vendors → |
| Contingency buffer | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Ranges overlap on purpose: money you save on one line funds another. The contingency buffer is the line everyone cuts and everyone regrets cutting.
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