We get it: putting together an event budget isn’t easy. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, campus event, fundraiser, or something else, the process can be overwhelming. That’s why having the right event budget template can make all the difference.

In this article we’ve rounded up the best free templates to make budgeting easier, faster, and maybe even a little enjoyable! 

From small intimate gatherings to large-scale events, you'll find an option that fits your needs.

And if at any point you need a refresher on how to build a budget from scratch, check out our step-by-step guide to creating an event budget for a full walkthrough.

Now, on to the event budget templates.

What Is an Event Budget?

An event budget is a structured financial plan that outlines all projected income and expenses for a professional event. It helps organizers anticipate costs, allocate resources effectively, and ensure accountability across teams and stakeholders.

A typical event budget includes key categories like:

• Venue and permits.
• Catering and hospitality.
• Audio/visual and production.
• Staffing and volunteer coordination.
• Marketing and communications.
• Technology (event apps, ticketing, livestreaming).
• Sponsorship income or registration fees.
  
  

Budgeting isn’t just about tracking numbers; it’s a strategic tool for aligning your event goals with available resources. 

Whether you're planning a corporate conference, campus orientation, nonprofit fundraiser, or large-scale festival, a clear budget ensures every dollar is working toward a successful outcome.

What to Look for in an Event Budget Template

Not all event budget templates are created equal. The best ones make it easy to plan, track, and communicate your event’s financial picture, without needing to build a spreadsheet from scratch.

Here are the key features to look for when choosing an event budget template:

• Editable formats: Templates in Excel or Google Sheets that you can customize for your event type.
• Built-in formulas: Automatic calculations for totals, variances, and projections to save time and reduce errors.
• Separate tabs for income and expenses: Organized tracking of both sides of your event’s financial flow.
• Pre-filled categories: Common line items like venue, AV, catering, and marketing help you get started faster.
• Customizable sections: Add or remove categories based on your event’s needs, such as sponsor revenue or travel costs.
• Visual summaries: Charts or dashboards that give stakeholders a clear view of your budget at a glance.

With a solid template, you’ll do more than just spending; you’ll make smarter decisions, present confidently to stakeholders, and stay in control from planning through to post-event reconciliation.

Top Free Event Budget Templates

Be organized, not overwhelmed, with a comprehensive checklist.

1. Guidebook's Event Budget Template

Simplify your financial planning with our free event budget template. Simply download the PDF as a guide, and make a copy of our Google sheet today! Our clients love the formulas built into the Google sheet.

By the way, it's possible to earn revenue at your event through Event App Sponsorships. When you build your event app with Guidebook, you get access to incredible sponsorship capabilities. Get the Ulitmate Guide to Increase Sponsorship Revenue with an Event App to learn more and see real examples of how others earned money with their Guidebook apps.

2. Pinterest Event Budget Templates

If you're the kind of planner who likes to explore before committing, Pinterest is a great place to start. You’ll find everything from straightforward spreadsheets to templates with creative layouts or unique category ideas.

Some are practical, others more conceptual. But that’s the beauty of Pinterest: it’s a place for inspiration. Whether you're looking for a fresh format, a new budgeting angle, or just curious how others approach their event finances, it’s worth browsing.‍

Just start by searching Pinterest for “event budget template” to explore dozens of examples and discover something that fits your style.

3. Canva's Beautiful Budget Templates

Canva's budget templates offer visually appealing designs, catering to those who prioritize aesthetics in financial planning. However, they may lack the detailed functionality preferred by users seeking comprehensive numerical analysis. The templates are suitable for individuals looking to strike a balance between style and substance in their budget presentations. While visually impressive, users should be mindful of the templates' potential limitations in addressing intricate financial details.

Get them here.

4. ICC Belfast's Clean Event Budget Template

ICC Belfast — an international convention center — offers this free event budget template designed to help planners track costs, allocate resources efficiently, and stay within budget. The spreadsheet is clean, easy to use, and structured to support clear financial decisions throughout the planning process.

In conclusion, creating an event budget can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, it becomes a manageable and organized process. When it comes to putting your financial plan into action, event budget templates eliminate the guesswork. Whether you opt for the comprehensive Event Budget Workbook from Guidebook for early planning, Microsoft's detailed templates for a streamlined approach, Canva's visually appealing designs for a stylish presentation, or Tidyform's clean template for simplicity, each option offers unique benefits. Remember, the key is to be organized, not overwhelmed, so choose the template that aligns best with your event's needs and your preferred balance of style and substance.