Wedding Budget Estimator
Enter your guest count and region. Get a realistic 2026 cost breakdown with per-line-item numbers.
Estimated total
Real range typically $26,810–$49,790 depending on style and venue tier.
Breakdown
| Line item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Venue | $11,000 |
| Catering & bar | $9,500 |
| Photography | $3,500 |
| Flowers & decor | $2,500 |
| Music / DJ / band | $2,000 |
| Dress | $1,900 |
| Suit / outfit | $800 |
| Rings | $2,500 |
| Invitations & stationery | $600 |
| Miscellaneous | $4,000 |
| Total | $38,300 |
How real wedding budgets break down
Most couples are surprised by where the money actually goes. Venue and catering together typically eat 50–60% of the budget. Photography is the third-largest line item. Everything else — flowers, music, attire, stationery — is small in comparison.
2026 regional averages
- → US: $28,000–$45,000 for 100 guests is a typical middle band. Coastal cities run 50%+ higher.
- → UK: £18,000–£32,000 for 100 guests. London is significantly above average.
- → EU: €16,000–€28,000 for 100 guests. Western EU (Germany, France, Netherlands) runs higher; Eastern EU lower.
- → Croatia: €12,000–€22,000 for 100 guests. Coastal venues during high season carry a 30–50% premium.
What\'s not in this estimate
Common additional costs that often add another 10–20%:
- → Wedding planner ($1,500–$8,000)
- → Hair and makeup ($300–$1,500 for the couple + bridesmaids)
- → Transport (limo, vintage car, guest shuttle)
- → Hotel rooms for the couple
- → Honeymoon
- → Alcohol bar add-ons (if not in catering)
Where to save without compromising
The biggest savings come from reducing guest count, choosing an off-peak season (October–April in most regions), and picking a weekday or Sunday slot. A 60-guest wedding costs roughly 60% of a 100-guest wedding, all else being equal. Cutting guests is the single biggest lever.