Wedding Budget Planner Formula

Understand the math behind the wedding budget planner. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Wedding Budget Planner

Formulas Used

Venue & Reception (45%)

venue_reception = total_budget * 0.45

Photography & Video (12%)

photography = total_budget * 0.12

Attire & Beauty (10%)

attire_beauty = total_budget * 0.10

Flowers & Decor (8%)

flowers_decor = total_budget * 0.08

Cost per Guest

cost_per_guest = total_budget / guest_count

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
total_budgetTotal Wedding Budget(USD)30000
guest_countGuest Count120

How It Works

Wedding Budget Allocation

Industry guidelines suggest standard percentage allocations for major wedding categories.

Standard Breakdown

  • Venue & Reception: 45% (catering, bar, rentals)
  • Photography & Video: 12%
  • Attire & Beauty: 10%
  • Flowers & Decor: 8%
  • Music/Entertainment: 8%
  • Planning/Stationery: 7%
  • Contingency: 10%

    • These are starting points. Adjust based on your priorities. The biggest budget lever is guest count, as food and beverage are the largest single expense.

    Worked Example

    A $30,000 wedding with 120 guests.

    total_budget = 30000guest_count = 120
    1. 01Venue & reception = $30,000 x 45% = $13,500
    2. 02Photography = $30,000 x 12% = $3,600
    3. 03Attire = $30,000 x 10% = $3,000
    4. 04Flowers = $30,000 x 8% = $2,400
    5. 05Cost per guest = $30,000 / 120 = $250

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Wedding Budget Planner