Free planning tool
Event Budget Calculator
Plan every cost clearly
Estimate your full event budget in seconds — venue, catering, decoration, entertainment and more. No sign-up required.
100% free — no sign-up
Instant estimate
Works for any event size
Weddings, parties & more
How it works
3 steps to your budget estimate
Fill in the calculator below — it takes under 60 seconds.
01
Choose your event type
Select wedding, birthday, corporate, or any other event to get type-specific cost estimates.
02
Enter your guest count
Guest count is the #1 driver of event costs. The calculator adjusts all estimates automatically.
03
Get your breakdown
See an instant breakdown by category — venue, catering, decoration, and more.
Eventory Calculator
Plan Your Event Budget in Minutes
Estimate your event cost with a modern premium calculator for weddings, birthdays, engagements, baby showers, and private parties.
Smart budgeting tips
Make your budget go further
Add a 10–15% buffer
Always keep a contingency budget for last-minute changes, vendor price increases, or forgotten items.
Venue is your biggest spend
Typically 30–40% of your total. Book early for the best rates — especially for peak season.
Catering costs scale with guests
The more guests, the lower the per-head catering cost. Negotiate packages when you have 80+ guests.
Decoration has the most flex
DIY elements, balloon arches, and rented props can cut decoration costs by 50% vs full-service.
More free tools
Complete your planning
Use these alongside the budget calculator for a full event plan.
Budget questions answered
Event budgeting FAQ
How much does an event typically cost?+
Event costs vary widely: a birthday party for 50 guests averages $2,000–$5,000; a wedding for 100 guests typically runs $10,000–$30,000+. Use our calculator above for a personalised estimate based on your event type and location.
What percentage of the budget should go to catering?+
30–40% is the standard. For a sit-down dinner, expect $50–$150 per person depending on service style. Use our catering calculator for exact per-head costs.
How far in advance should I set my event budget?+
Set your budget before booking anything. Venue and catering decisions flow from the budget — not the other way around. Aim to have a confirmed budget at least 6–12 months before a large event.
What costs do people most often forget to budget for?+
The most commonly forgotten costs are: gratuities (15–20% on catering), overtime fees for vendors, coat check staff, parking, invitations and postage, and the contingency buffer (always add 10–15%).
How can I reduce event costs without reducing quality?+
Top strategies: book on a Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday; choose a venue that allows outside catering; DIY some decoration elements like balloon arches; reduce the cocktail hour length; and negotiate package deals with vendors.
From the blog
Plan smarter with our guides
📚
🎁 Eventory guide — $4.99
From Zero to Fabulous
Beginner-friendly event planning guide — weddings, parties & luxury events. Templates, checklists & pro tips.