Turning a budget into a monthly number
Weddings are one of the few big expenses with a fixed date, which makes them easy to plan for. Subtract what family is contributing and what you have saved, then spread the rest over the months that remain. A $30,000 wedding with $5,000 from family and $4,000 saved needs about $1,130 a month over 18 months, or roughly $565 each if two of you are saving.
Surveys of US couples, such as The Knot's annual Real Weddings Study, have recently put the average wedding cost at around $30,000 to $35,000, but the range is enormous and depends mostly on location and guest count. Plenty of couples spend under $15,000.
Guest count drives the budget
Venue and catering usually take the biggest share, and both are priced per head, so the guest list is the strongest lever you have. At $250 per guest, cutting 30 names saves $7,500. The rough split in the results shows where a typical budget goes, which helps you decide early what matters most to you and where to trim.
Book the big items early and set aside a buffer of about 5% to 10% for the extras that always appear late, such as alterations, tips and last-minute decorations.
Common questions
How much does the average wedding cost?
Recent US surveys put it at roughly $30,000 to $35,000, with wide variation by city and guest count.
How much should I save per month for a wedding?
Divide the amount still needed by the months left. For $20,000 over 18 months, about $1,080 a month.
How can we lower the cost per guest?
Smaller guest lists, off-peak dates such as Fridays or winter months, and brunch or lunch receptions all reduce per-head costs.
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.