Wedding Budget Calculator
Calculate the total cost of your wedding in seconds with our trusted calculator
Updated 13 November 2023
Wedding Budgets in a Nutshell
Planning a wedding can quickly get out of hand financially if you aren’t careful. To create a budget without feeling like you have to sacrifice, it's suggested to set up some ground rules. Doing some will avoid budget blowouts that are all to easy to incur on the journey to creating something 'extra special'. Suggested rules include:
- Pick the categories that are most important to you. What matters most different between couples; it could be the venue, wedding attire, photographer, food and drinks, or the music etc. We suggest locking down the three most important categories. You can direct your budget and cut back in other areas.
- Decide early on who will influence your decisions (and stick to those people). If it’s just you and your fiancé, then don’t stray from that. If you want your parents’ input or the help of a close friend, then decide that upfront. The fewer ideas and influences you have, the less likely you’ll be to overspend.
- If your wedding album is important to you, book the photographer first. Remember, wedding photos are something you’ll look at and enjoy for the rest of your life. Many couples decide this is an area they don’t want to sacrifice.
- Choose your essential vendors early. You’ll be in a better position to negotiate rates, and the more choice you have the better decisions you'll make.
How much will your wedding cost?
Fill out the boxes below to estimate the price of your wedding. Our calculator has pre-populated the average costs of different wedding requirements, sourced from MoneyHub's wedding guides and supplier data. However, you must enter a number for it to count toward your
total. Once done, your total wedding cost appears at the bottom of the calculator. You can see how the total compares to your original budget.
Budget (required)
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Number of guests (required)
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Pre-wedding
Wedding Invitations
Wedding/event planner
Wedding dress
Groom's suit and shoes
Rehearsal dinner
Wedding day
Photographer
Florist/decor
Videographer
Transportation
Hair/makeup (bride)
Officiant
Ceremony site
Ceremony musicians
Venue
Reception Drinks Tab
Reception Band/Music
Catering (per person)
Wedding Cake
Other
Other
Add it up
Total wedding cost
$0
Are you over or under your budget?
Over
By how much?
$0
Wedding Budgets, Accounting and Essential Money-Saving Tips
The words 'wedding' and 'accounting' won't get anyone excited. However, by opening up a dedicated wedding bank account you can keep everything in one place, earn an above-market interest rate and avoid any confusion. Our best bank accounts guide has the top bank accounts available right now, all of which a fee-free. Our How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget in New Zealand guide outlines popular ways to save significant amounts on wedding costs while not sacrificing the experience of your guests.
Wedding Planning on a Budget is Enjoyable and Rewarding
Having a wedding on a budget isn’t as hard as it seems; it’s the smartest way to start your life as a newly married couple. Once you’re married, chances are you’ll want to buy a house, save to have kids, and save for your future. Why start your life off in debt when you can find simple ways to save on your wedding yet still have the day of your dreams?
