How to Find Your Per Guest Dollar Breakdown for Your Wedding
What Factors Go into the Per Guest Breakdown?
- Venue Costs The venue is usually the largest chunk of your wedding budget. This can include the rental fee for the space, catering, bartenders, and even any venue-specific charges like security or clean-up fees. To calculate the cost per guest, divide the total venue cost by the number of guests you’re planning to invite. For example, if your venue costs $10,000 for 150 guests, the cost per guest would be: $10,000 ÷ 150 = $66.67 per guest
- Food & Beverage Food and drinks typically take up a significant portion of your budget. Whether you’re going with a plated dinner, buffet, or cocktail hour, the price per person will vary. Be sure to include the cost of alcoholic beverages, as well as tips for bartenders and catering staff. For example, a plated dinner may cost $50 per person, with drinks adding another $15 per guest, making the total food and beverage cost:$50 + $15 = $65 per guest
- Hair & Makeup for the Bridal Party If you’re hiring a professional hair and makeup artist for yourself, your bridesmaids, or your mother, the cost will add up quickly. Depending on the artist and the number of people getting services, this could cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per person. For example, if you have 5 bridesmaids and the cost is $150 per person, the total cost for hair and makeup would be: $150 x 5 = $750, or $5 per guest (if you are calculating based on 150 guests).
- Wedding Attire
Wedding attire includes the bride’s dress, groom’s suit, bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s tuxes, and any accessories (shoes, veils, jewelry, etc.). While the cost of your wedding attire is typically not per guest, you can divide the total cost by the number of guests to get a rough per guest figure. If your attire costs $4,000 and you’re having 150 guests, the breakdown would be: $4,000 ÷ 150 = $26.67 per guest
- Invitations & Stationery
Wedding invitations, RSVP cards, thank-you cards, and other stationery can add up quickly. The cost per invitation can range from $1 to $10, depending on the design, printing, and any additional customization. For example, if you’re spending $500 on invitations for 150 guests, the cost per guest is: $500 ÷ 150 = $3.33 per guest
- Decor & Rentals
Although decor is not typically calculated per guest, it still plays a significant role in your budget. Items like centerpieces, table linens, and other rented items (e.g., chairs, tables, lighting) should be considered. If your decor and rental costs total $2,000 and you’re expecting 150 guests, this would add: $2,000 ÷ 150 = $13.33 per guest
- Photography & Videography
While photography and videography costs don’t change based on the number of guests, they do need to be factored into your total per guest cost. If your photographer costs $3,000 for the day and you’re having 150 guests, the breakdown would be: $3,000 ÷ 150 = $20 per guest
- Entertainment
If you’re hiring a DJ, live band, or any form of entertainment, this is another big cost to consider. The cost of entertainment can range from $500 to several thousand, depending on the experience level and type of performance. For example, if your DJ costs $1,200 and you have 150 guests: $1,200 ÷ 150 = $8 per guest
- Favors & Gifts
Wedding favors are a small but still relevant cost. If you’re giving a small token to each guest, such as a personalized gift or keepsake, it can add up quickly. For example, if you’re spending $5 per guest on favors and you’re inviting 150 guests, your total cost for favors would be: $5 x 150 = $750, or $5 per guest
- Miscellaneous Costs Don’t forget the smaller expenses like transportation, tips for vendors, and any additional unexpected costs. These should also be factored into your total budget, though they might not break down neatly into per-guest costs.
Total per guest: $66.67 + $65 + $5 + $26.67 + $3.33 + $13.33 + $20 + $8 + $5 = $213 per guest
This breakdown helps you understand where your money is going and how much you’re spending per guest. By being clear on each of these expenses, you’ll have a much better idea of how to manage your wedding budget and avoid any surprises down the line.
How can our wedding planning team help?
From guiding you through each category and helping you prioritize your spending to keeping track of all your expenses, we can make sure nothing is overlooked. We handle the details — like tallying up per guest costs, ensuring you’re staying within your budget, and helping you make adjustments if needed.
With a planner by your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all of the financial aspects are being managed properly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your engagement and the excitement of your big day without stressing over the numbers. It’s not just about keeping things on track — it’s about making sure you’re getting the best value for your wedding, without going over budget.
So, whether you’re planning a lavish event or a more intimate affair, just know that we can be your secret weapon in keeping everything organized and ensuring your budget works for you.
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