Event Cost Calculator

Plan your event budget — see the total cost of any event.

🏡

Event Budget

Enter the estimated costs for each category.

Total event cost
$0
Per person (100 guests): $0
Subtotal
$0
Contingency
$0
Total
$0
Per person (50 guests)
$0
Per person (100 guests)
$0
Per person (200 guests)
$0

Worked example

With the default inputs shown below, this calculator returns the following results:

InputValue
Venue rental ($)$5,000
Catering ($)$3,000
Entertainment ($)$2,000
Decorations ($)$1,500
Photography/video ($)$2,500
Staffing ($)$1,500
Marketing/invitations ($)$500
Contingency (10%)0
ResultValue
Total event cost$17,600
Subtotal$16,000
Contingency$1,600
Total$17,600
Per person (50 guests)$352
Per person (100 guests)$176

Values shown are produced by this page in your browser; change any input to update them.

How to use the Event Budget

  1. Venue rental ($) — default $5,000
  2. Catering ($) — default $3,000
  3. Entertainment ($) — default $2,000
  4. Decorations ($) — default $1,500
  5. Photography/video ($) — default $2,500
  6. Staffing ($) — default $1,500
  7. Marketing/invitations ($) — default $500
  8. Contingency (10%) — default 0
  9. Press Calculate to update the results instantly.

Frequently asked questions

For a catered event, $60-$120 per head covers food and drink; add venue, entertainment and decor on top. Weddings run well above that in most cities.
Service charges, tax and gratuities, plus transport, insurance, staff meals and a contingency of 10% for last-minute changes.
Move it off-peak or to a weekday, choose a venue that allows outside catering, and spend on the two things guests notice most: food and music.

Sources & references