How much does a confirmation party cost? A 40-guest example (2026)
For example, a confirmation reception for 40 guests typically costs about $1,760 all-in ($44 per guest), including Extra buffer.
That total is about $0 for the space, $1,040 for the lunch, $200 for the drinks, $150 for the confirmation cake, $110 for the decor, $60 for the prayer cards, $40 for the invitations, and $160 for Extra buffer.
Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. It is already inside that $1,760. This example is a confirmation reception. It is not the confirmation mass itself, and it is not a first communion reception.
The example in one table
This is one mid-range example for the United States. Shares are rounded; the dollars are the source of truth. Source: Project ROI Calc Standard estimate, United States, 2026.
| Line | Dollars | Share of all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Space | $0 | 0% |
| Lunch | $1,040 | 59% |
| Drinks | $200 | 11% |
| Confirmation cake | $150 | 9% |
| Decor | $110 | 6% |
| Prayer cards | $60 | 3% |
| Invitations | $40 | 2% |
| Extra buffer | $160 | 9% |
| All-in | $1,760 | 100% |
Confirmation party cost calculator
Walkthrough
Space — $0
This example leaves Space at $0. Change it on the calculator if you will spend here.
Lunch — $1,040
Lunch is $1,040 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Drinks — $200
Drinks is $200 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Confirmation cake — $150
Confirmation cake is $150 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Decor — $110
Decor is $110 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Prayer cards — $60
Prayer cards is $60 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Invitations — $40
Invitations is $40 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Extra buffer — $160
Extra buffer ($160) is spare money on top if something runs over.
All-in vs per guest
People quote both. All-in ($1,760) is money to have on hand for a confirmation reception. Per guest ($44) is for comparing catering menus or grocery lists. This page does not add a third “average.”
What would change your number
- A different guest count
- A nicer or simpler lunch
- A quote you already have from a vendor
Change those amounts on the calculator — do not add a mental extra percent on top of Extra buffer.
Not in this number
- Guest gifts and the host's outfit
- Travel
- Sales tax if a vendor puts it on the invoice
How to use the calculator
- Enter how many guests you are hosting. This example starts at 40.
- Open a cost row and tap a starting-price button, or type the quote you already have.
- Tap Calculate. The all-in and per-guest figures update together.
Confirmation party cost calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 40-guest confirmation party cost?
This example is $1,760 all-in for 40 guests ($44 per guest), including Extra buffer. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. That is a confirmation reception.
What is included in this $1,760?
Every line in the table, plus Extra buffer. Items listed under “Not in this number” are left out on purpose.
Do I have to keep Extra buffer?
No. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. You can lower it or zero it on the calculator. Do not add a mental extra percent on top of it.
What if I invite more guests?
Raise the guest count on the calculator. Food and per-person lines usually move with the list. The $1,760 figure here stays this example.
Related
How much does a baptism party cost?How much does a first communion party cost?All event cost calculators