Free quotes in one business dayBook a free call
Beyond ChiavariEvent Rentals · Chicago
Quote

Free planning tool

Split your budget, fairly

Enter one total and your guest count. Drag the sliders to match your priorities, see cost per guest, and split it between hosts.

Set one total budget, give the biggest shares to your top two priorities, and fit the rest around them so it adds up to 100%. Divide each category by your guest count to see cost per guest. If two families or co-hosts are paying, agree on each one's share or categories in writing early.

Start now
No sign-up. Your answers stay in your browser and in the page link.
Guests serve themselves food from warm chafing dishes and pour drinks at a buffet and beverage station during a lavish tented wedding reception illuminated with fairy lights
Event
$
Split by category

Starting splits are a placeholder, not survey data. Drag to match your priorities; the others adjust so it always adds to 100%. Lock a line to hold it.

  • 25%
  • 30%
  • 10%
  • 10%
  • 7%
  • 8%
  • 5%
  • 5%
Split between hosts
%
%

$30,000

Total budget

$250

Per guest

Budget split: Venue 25%, Food and drink 30%, Rentals (chairs, tables, linens, tent) 10%, Photo and video 10%, Music and entertainment 7%, Flowers and decor 8%, Attire and beauty 5%, Invitations, favors and buffer 5%
Venue$7,500$63/guest
Food and drink$9,000$75/guest
Rentals (chairs, tables, linens, tent)$3,000$25/guest
Photo and video$3,000$25/guest
Music and entertainment$2,100$18/guest
Flowers and decor$2,400$20/guest
Attire and beauty$1,500$13/guest
Invitations, favors and buffer$1,500$13/guest

$15,000

Host 1 pays

50% of the total

$15,000

Host 2 pays

50% of the total

Price these rentals

How it works

Using the event budget splitter

  1. Step 1Enter the totalAnd how many guests.
  2. Step 2Drag the slidersEverything else rebalances to 100%.
  3. Step 3Lock what's fixedHold a quote you already have.
  4. Step 4Split between hostsSee what each person pays.
How the event budget splitter works, step by step.

The method

How we work out the numbers

When you move one slider, the other unlocked lines grow or shrink in proportion to their current size, so the total stays at 100%. Locked lines don't move. Each line's dollar amount is the total × its share, and per guest is that amount ÷ guests.

The starting split for each event type is our placeholder to get you going, not a statistic. For real rental prices, build a list in the quote builder or use the tables and chairs calculator, then lock the rentals line at what it costs.

Questions

Event budget splitter: FAQ

How should I split my event budget?

Start with your top two priorities and give them the biggest share, then fit everything else around them. The tool begins with a placeholder split for each event type so you can see the idea, then you drag the sliders to match what matters to you.

Are the starting percentages averages?

No. They are a reasonable starting point, not survey data, and we don't claim they match what other people spend. Change them freely.

How much should I set aside for rentals?

It depends on your venue. A venue that includes tables and chairs needs far less than a backyard or tent, where you rent nearly everything. Build a quick list in our quote builder to see real prices for your guest count.

How do we split costs between two families?

Set the number of hosts and each one's share. The tool shows what each pays. Some families split by percentage; others each take whole categories. Either way, writing it down early avoids awkward talks later.

Can I save or share my budget?

Yes. The page link holds your total, guests, split and host shares. Copy it to share or bookmark it.

Keep planning

More free tools

All tools

Free quote · no obligation

Turn your numbers into a real quote

Pick chairs, tables, linens, dinnerware and more, see live prices, and we line up Chicago's best rental houses for your date.

  • Live pricing as you pick
  • Delivery & setup included in quote
  • One contact for every vendor
  • Reply within one business day
Build your quote Book a free 15-minute call
Guests in formal attire dine and converse around decorated tables during a ballroom wedding reception, arranged inside an illuminated, draped tent adorned with floral installations and crystal chandeliers