Wedding Vendor Budget Splitter
Enter your total budget, expected guest count, and top priorities. Get an instant per-category breakdown with a visual pie chart and per-guest cost summary.
Budget Allocation
- Venue34%
- Catering & Bar26%
- Photography10%
- Flowers & Decor9%
- Music & Entertainment6%
- Attire6%
- Invitations2%
- Transportation2%
- Favors & Gifts2%
- Contingency5%
Per-Category Breakdown
| Category | % | Amount | Per Guest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | 34% | $13,480 | $135 |
| Catering & Bar | 26% | $10,400 | $104 |
| Photography | 10% | $3,840 | $38 |
| Flowers & Decor | 9% | $3,480 | $35 |
| Music & Entertainment | 6% | $2,320 | $23 |
| Attire | 6% | $2,320 | $23 |
| Invitations | 2% | $760 | $8 |
| Transportation | 2% | $760 | $8 |
| Favors & Gifts | 2% | $760 | $8 |
| Contingency | 5% | $1,920 | $19 |
| Total | 100% | $40,000 | $400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I split my wedding budget between vendors?
A common starting framework allocates 30-40% to venue, 25-30% to catering and bar, 8-12% to photography, and the remainder across entertainment, flowers, attire, and other categories. Adjust based on what matters most to you as a couple.
What percentage of my wedding budget should go to photography?
Most couples allocate 8 to 12 percent of their total budget to photography. If photography is a top priority, consider 12 to 15 percent. A $40,000 wedding typically spends $3,200 to $6,000 on photography.
How much should I set aside for wedding contingency?
Budget 5 to 10 percent as a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Last-minute changes, weather plans, vendor additions, and tips can add up quickly.
Is catering or venue usually more expensive?
It depends on the format. All-inclusive venues bundle both costs. For separate venue and catering, the venue rental is often the single largest fixed cost while catering is the largest per-guest cost. Together they typically account for 55 to 70 percent of the total budget.