Wedding Budget Calculator
What will your wedding cost? Plan the budget from venue, catering, rings and more — with total and cost per guest, in dollars.
Key facts
- A wedding in the US costs on average around $34,200 (excluding the engagement ring), per The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study at 116 guests — about $284 per guest. The venue is the biggest item at ~$12,900.
- The most effective lever is the guest count: since catering is per head (US average ~$80/guest), each guest fewer saves noticeably. These editable defaults total about $34,900 for 116 guests (~$301 per guest).
- The engagement ring (US average ~$5,500) is deliberately not in the template — in the US it is counted separately. Add wedding bands, honeymoon and accommodation under “Other” if needed.
FAQ
- What does a wedding cost in the US?
- On average around $34,200 (excluding the engagement ring), per The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study at 116 guests — about $284 per guest. Depending on state, guest count and expectations the range runs well above and below. The venue is the biggest item at ~$12,900.
- How do I cut costs most effectively?
- Through the guest count. Since catering and drinks are per guest (US average ~$80/guest), each guest fewer saves noticeably. Lower the guest count in the calculator and watch how the total and cost per guest respond.
- Is the engagement ring included?
- No. In the US the engagement ring (average ~$5,500) is counted separately and is deliberately not part of the template. You can enter wedding bands in the “Rings” field; add honeymoon, bachelor/bachelorette party and accommodation under “Other”.