Party Budget Calculator — Full Budget Planner

As an indicative UK guide (Bark / Bridebook 2025-26), a typical house party costs £10-£20 per guest, a catered event runs £30-£60 per head, and weddings work out around £100-£200 per guest for the venue and catering core (the all-in UK wedding average is higher, roughly £278 per guest once everything is added). Start with your total budget, then allocate roughly: 30-40% venue, 25-30% catering, 10-15% drinks, 10% decorations, 5-10% entertainment. Treat these as starting points, not fixed rules.

The venue is usually the single largest cost, typically 30-40% of the total budget. Catering (food and drink combined) is often the next largest at 35-40%. Together, venue and catering account for 65-80% of most party budgets.

Host at home to eliminate venue hire. Ask guests to bring a dish or bottle (potluck). Buy drinks in bulk from wholesalers. Make your own decorations. Use a Spotify playlist instead of a DJ. Avoid weekends and peak seasons for venue discounts.

Yes, always keep 5-10% of your budget as contingency for unexpected costs. Last-minute extras, price increases, and forgotten items always crop up. If you do not use it, you will have a nice surplus after the party.