Wedding Budget by Guest Count
Every extra guest adds a fairly predictable amount to catering, rentals, and favors — but the "fixed costs" (photographer, officiant, attire) barely move. This chart shows the curve, from a 2-person elopement to a 75-guest small wedding.
Why cost doesn't scale in a straight line
Two forces are fighting each other on this chart.
Fixed costs barely move
Your photographer, officiant, dress, suit, and marriage license cost roughly the same whether you invite 5 people or 50. These are the reason a 2-guest elopement still isn't free.
Variable costs scale with headcount
Catering, bar, rentals, favors, and (eventually) venue capacity scale close to linearly — every extra guest adds a fairly predictable per-head cost.
Style changes the slope
A backyard DIY wedding has a much flatter slope than a small venue with plated catering, because the marginal cost of feeding one more guest at home is lower than paying a caterer per head.
Track your real guest list, not just an estimate
The Small Wedding & Elopement Budget Planner's Guest List tab is built for up to 75 guests, with RSVP status and meal counts that total automatically — and a Budget Overview that updates the moment your guest count changes.