Fixed vs per-guest costs
Some wedding costs stay the same whatever the guest count, like the photographer, attire and the band. Others scale with every guest: catering, drinks, chairs, linens, cake and favors. Separating the two shows the real saving from trimming the list. Removing 20 guests at $140 each saves $2,800, but the cost per remaining guest goes up, because the fixed costs are shared by fewer people.
Common questions
What is the average cost per wedding guest?
In the US it is often $200 to $300 including everything, with catering alone frequently $75 to $150 a head.
How much do I save by cutting guests?
The per-guest costs for each person removed. Fixed costs do not change.
This calculator gives estimates for planning. Real returns, rates and prices change, so treat the result as a guide rather than a promise. Read how we build and check our calculators.