Shows exactly how much each additional guest costs (not just the plate — chairs, favors, invitations, bar). Cutting 20 guests saves you $X.
Ever wonder how much each extra guest really costs — beyond just the plate?
Start with coworkers, distant relatives, and plus-ones you don't know
Here's what I'd tell a friend
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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