Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Chicago IL

Planning a wedding in Chicago IL? This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 100 to 150 people and an average wedding cost of $24,353 - $29,765. Below, we've answered the most common questions about wedding costs to help you understand how this budget breaks down across different categories, from the venue to the photographer. Use these estimates to guide your planning and vendor selection.

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $24,353 - $29,765
Lives in: Chicago IL
Planning a wedding in: Chicago IL See Chicago Naperville Elgin IL IN WI market data
Season: Fall Wedding in 2026
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 125 guests with a range of 100 to 150 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $195 - $238 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony will be at one location while the reception will be at another
Ceremony Location: a church or other place of worship
Reception Location: a resort or hotel
Type of wedding: Simple
Wedding color theme: Other
Highest priorities:
  • Entertainment (DJ, Live Band, Musician/s, etc.)
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue

Wedding Cost Category Summary

Category Estimated Cost Percent of Estimate
Bakery $439 - $537 1.8%
Entertainment $1,259 - $1,539 5.2%
Event Venue $18,122 - $22,150 74.4%
Flowers & Decorations $484 - $592 2.0%
Gifts & Favors $383 - $468 1.6%
Invitations $554 - $677 2.3%
Officiant $251 - $307 1.0%
Photography & Video $2,861 - $3,497 11.7%
Total Cost $24,353 - $29,765 100%
What is the average cost of a wedding for 125 guests in Chicago IL?
For a wedding with 125 guests in the Chicago IL, the estimated total cost is around $24,353 - $29,765. This budget is a full estimate based on local averages across all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Chicago IL?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Chicago IL is approximately $216. With a guest count of 125, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $24,353 - $29,765.
How does the cost of a wedding in Chicago IL compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Chicago IL is currently trending lower than the national average. The estimated budget of $24,353 - $29,765 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.

Bakery

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Wedding Cake/dessert $439 - $537 1.8%
Bakery Total Cost $439 - $537 1.8%
What is the average price of a wedding cake in Chicago IL?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 125 guests in Chicago IL is $439 - $537. This price can vary based on the complexity of the design and flavors.
How much does a wedding cake cost per slice in my area?
In the Chicago IL area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $4 - $4 per slice.

Entertainment

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
DJ/MC $1,259 - $1,539 5.2%
Entertainment Total Cost $1,259 - $1,539 5.2%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Chicago IL?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,259 - $1,539, which is 5.2% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Chicago IL?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Chicago IL area is $1,259 - $1,539.

Event Venue

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Wedding Venue Bar Service $2,360 - $2,884 9.7%
Wedding Venue Food Service $4,549 - $5,559 18.7%
Wedding Venue Location $9,535 - $11,653 39.2%
Wedding Venue Rentals $1,679 - $2,053 6.9%
Event Venue Total Cost $18,122 - $22,150 74.4%
How much does it cost to rent a wedding venue in Chicago IL?
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 125 guest wedding in Chicago IL, you should budget approximately $18,122 - $22,150, which is about 74.4% of your total budget.

Flowers & Decorations

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Bouquets $484 - $592 2.0%
Flowers & Decorations Total Cost $484 - $592 2.0%
What is the average cost of wedding flowers for a ceremony and reception?
The estimated budget for all wedding floral arrangements (including bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces) and decorations is $484 - $592. This accounts for roughly 2.0% of your total expenses.

Invitations

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations & Reply Cards $189 - $231 0.8%
Postage $76 - $92 0.3%
Save the Date Cards $113 - $139 0.5%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $86 - $106 0.4%
Thank You Cards $89 - $109 0.4%
Invitations Total Cost $554 - $677 2.3%
How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 125 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $554 - $677. This is approximately 2.3% of your overall budget.

Photography & Video

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Wedding Photographer $2,861 - $3,497 11.7%
Photography & Video Total Cost $2,861 - $3,497 11.7%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL spend between $2,861 - $3,497 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 11.7% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL with 125 guests spend between $2,861 - $3,497 on wedding photography, which is about 11.7% of your total wedding cost.

The average cost of a wedding in Chicago IL is based on real spending reported by couples, not vendor price lists. It includes both new and used items, and services provided by professionals, independent providers, or even friends and family. Every wedding is unique, and what couples spend can vary widely depending on their preferences and circumstances.

© The Wedding Report, Inc.