Event Budget Calculator
Plan your event budget with our interactive calculator. Allocate funds across venue, catering, entertainment, and more.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your total event budget and number of expected guests. The calculator will show you recommended allocations based on industry standards.
Adjust the percentage sliders to customize allocations for venue, catering, entertainment, décor, marketing, staffing, and contingency.
View your cost per guest and detailed breakdown to ensure your budget aligns with your event goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage should I allocate to catering?
Catering typically takes 30-40% of an event budget. For corporate events, it may be higher (40-50%) as food quality directly impacts attendee experience.
How much contingency should I set aside?
We recommend 5-10% contingency for most events. For first-time events or complex productions, consider 10-15% to cover unexpected costs.
Should venue cost include AV equipment?
It depends on the venue contract. Some venues include basic AV in rental fees, while others charge separately. Always clarify what's included before finalizing your budget.
How do I adjust the budget for different event sizes?
Scale your budget proportionally based on guest count. Some costs like venue and entertainment may have fixed minimums, while catering scales directly with attendance. Use the cost-per-guest metric to compare events of different sizes.
What expenses are commonly overlooked in event budgets?
Often-forgotten costs include gratuities for vendors (15-20%), overtime fees, parking and transportation, coat check, signage and name badges, insurance, and last-minute printing. Always include a contingency line item of 5-10% for unexpected expenses.
Why Use This Calculator
- Visualize budget allocation by category
- Calculate cost per guest instantly
- Adjust percentages to match your priorities
- Industry-standard budget breakdowns
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"The venue capacity calculator saved us from booking a space that would have been too small. Crisis averted."
Event Coordinator, Corporate Events