The Money Friend

Guest Count Impact Calculator

Shows exactly how much each additional guest costs (not just the plate — chairs, favors, invitations, bar). Cutting 20 guests saves you $X.

Guest Count Impact Calculator

Ever wonder how much each extra guest really costs, beyond just the food and drink?

150
20400
20
1120

Not sure who to cut? Try the two tests below

Not sure who to cut? Try these

📞

The Phone Call Test

For each guest on your "maybe" list, ask yourself: if this person called you tomorrow and asked you to cover their seat at your wedding, would you say yes without hesitating? Because that's exactly what you're paying for.

💍

The Ring or Key Rule

A simple rule for plus-ones: if they don't share a ring or a key with your guest, they're not guaranteed a seat. Ten years from now, you'll look at your wedding photos and wonder who that stranger was. And they cost you $184.

Those 20 guests are costing you $3,680. Is it worth it?

Here's the thing

Think of it this way: every guest who's "just being polite" is costing you $184. That $3,680 could go toward 7 nights at a nice honeymoon hotel. The people who truly love you will understand a more intimate wedding.

Total cost per guest

$184

Not just the plate — everything that scales with headcount

Total savings

$3,680

From cutting 20 guests

New guest count

130 guests

Down from 150

Food & Catering

$85/guest

Plated dinner or buffet, including service

Bar & Beverages

$35/guest

Open bar with beer, wine, and cocktails

Cake / Dessert

$8/guest

Per-slice cake cost or dessert table portion

Table, Chair & Linens

$15/guest

Table settings, chair rentals, linen service

Invitations & Paper

$6/guest

Invite suite, RSVP card, program, menu card

Favors & Welcome Bags

$5/guest

Guest favor or welcome bag items

Centerpiece Share

$8/guest

Proportional cost of table centerpieces (~8 guests/table)

Transportation Share

$4/guest

Shuttle or parking cost per person

Service Tips & Tax

$18/guest

Gratuity for catering staff, bartenders, plus sales tax

What else that money could buy

7 nights at a nice honeymoon hotel

A photographer upgrade to premium coverage | A live band instead of a DJ | An open bar upgrade from beer & wine to full cocktails

The Money Friend

Those 20 guests are costing you $3,680. Is it worth it?

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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual costs may vary based on your creditworthiness, location, and lender. Consult a licensed financial advisor or mortgage professional before making financial decisions.

Interest rates, payments, and loan terms shown are examples for illustration purposes only and do not represent an offer to lend, a commitment to make a loan, or a guarantee of any specific rate or term. Actual rates and terms are determined by lenders based on your individual credit profile and may differ from examples shown.

Past performance and historical data do not guarantee future results. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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