How many guests fit the budget.
Split costs into fixed (same at any size) and per guest, then see the guest count your budget covers.
Guests the budget covers
0
Your list would cost
0
Over budget by
0
How it works
The math, in the open.
Most wedding costs either scale with the head count (catering, bar, rentals, invitations) or do not (venue fee, photographer, attire, music). Separating the two shows what each extra guest really costs. Use your quotes; the starting numbers are only examples.
| Step | Formula |
|---|---|
| Guests covered | (budget − fixed costs) ÷ cost per guest, rounded down |
| List cost | fixed costs + guests × cost per guest |
| Over budget | list cost − budget, if positive |
Example: $30,000 budget, $6,000 fixed, $150 per guest: room for 160 guests. A 180-person list costs $33,000, $3,000 over.
FAQ
Questions people ask.
How much does each extra wedding guest cost?
Whatever your per-guest costs add up to. Ask each vendor for a per-person price and add them.
What counts as a fixed cost?
Anything that does not change with the head count: venue rental fee, photographer, officiant, attire, band or DJ.
Related
Keep planning.
Estimates for planning, not quotes or legal advice. Formulas tested Oct 8, 2026.