Planning a wedding in Chicago IL? This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 25 to 50 people and an average wedding cost of $15,027 - $18,367. 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.
How many guests:
This estimate is based on having 38 guests with a range of 25 to 50 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $395 - $483 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony will be at one location while the reception will be at another
Ceremony Location:
a courthouse or justice of the peace
Reception Location:
a restaurant
Type of wedding:
Casual, Romantic, Simple
Wedding color theme:
Blues
Highest priorities:
Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
Event Location/Venue
Photography & Video
Wedding Cost Category Summary
Category
Estimated Cost
Percent of Estimate
Attire & Accessories
$3,047 - $3,725
20.3%
Bakery
$101 - $123
0.7%
Beauty & Spa
$235 - $287
1.6%
Event Venue
$4,266 - $5,214
28.4%
Flowers & Decorations
$1,607 - $1,965
10.7%
Gifts & Favors
$428 - $524
2.9%
Invitations
$169 - $207
1.1%
Jewelry
$1,715 - $2,097
11.4%
Officiant
$251 - $307
1.7%
Photography & Video
$3,207 - $3,919
21.3%
Total Cost
$15,027 - $18,367
100%
What is the average cost of a wedding for 38 guests in Chicago IL?
For a wedding with 38 guests in the Chicago IL, the estimated total cost is around $15,027 - $18,367. 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 $439. With a guest count of 38, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $15,027 - $18,367.
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 $15,027 - $18,367 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
Attire & Accessories
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Dress Accessories
$362 - $442
2.4%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories
$167 - $205
1.1%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase
$390 - $476
2.6%
Wedding Dress
$2,129 - $2,602
14.2%
Attire & Accessories Total Cost
$3,047 - $3,725
20.3%
How much should I budget for wedding dress accessories in Chicago IL?
In Chicago IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $362 - $442. This represents about 2.4% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the average cost of tuxedo or suit rentals for a wedding?
The estimated cost for the groom's attire and any rentals for the wedding party is $390 - $476.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Chicago IL?
In Chicago IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $2,129 - $2,602. This represents about 14.2% of your total wedding expenses.
Bakery
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Wedding Cake/dessert
$101 - $123
0.7%
Bakery Total Cost
$101 - $123
0.7%
What is the average price of a wedding cake in Chicago IL?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 38 guests in Chicago IL is $101 - $123. 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 $3 - $3 per slice.
Event Venue
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Wedding Venue Bar Service
$503 - $615
3.3%
Wedding Venue Food Service
$970 - $1,186
6.5%
Wedding Venue Location
$2,435 - $2,976
16.2%
Wedding Venue Rentals
$358 - $438
2.4%
Event Venue Total Cost
$4,266 - $5,214
28.4%
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 38 guest wedding in Chicago IL, you should budget approximately $4,266 - $5,214, which is about 28.4% of your total budget.
Flowers & Decorations
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Bouquets
$501 - $613
3.3%
Boutonnieres, Corsages
$228 - $278
1.5%
Wedding Venue Decorations
$602 - $736
4.0%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements
$126 - $154
0.8%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces
$81 - $99
0.5%
Flowers & Decorations Total Cost
$1,607 - $1,965
10.7%
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 $1,607 - $1,965. This accounts for roughly 10.7% of your total expenses.
Invitations
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Ceremony Programs
$29 - $35
0.2%
Guest Book
$14 - $17
0.1%
Invitations & Reply Cards
$43 - $53
0.3%
Postage
$17 - $21
0.1%
Save the Date Cards
$26 - $32
0.2%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards
$20 - $24
0.1%
Thank You Cards
$21 - $25
0.1%
Invitations Total Cost
$169 - $207
1.1%
How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 38 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $169 - $207. This is approximately 1.1% of your overall budget.
Jewelry
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1
$1,067 - $1,305
7.1%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2
$648 - $792
4.3%
Jewelry Total Cost
$1,715 - $2,097
11.4%
How much should be budgeted for wedding rings (Wedding ring/band for Partner 1)?
The budget for the couple's wedding bands (Wedding ring/band for Partner 1) is estimated at $1,067 - $1,305, which is about 7.1% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
How much should be budgeted for wedding rings (Wedding ring/band for Partner 2)?
The budget for the couple's wedding bands (Wedding ring/band for Partner 2) is estimated at $648 - $792, which is about 4.3% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
Photography & Video
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Engagement Session
$408 - $498
2.7%
Wedding Photographer
$2,799 - $3,421
18.6%
Photography & Video Total Cost
$3,207 - $3,919
21.3%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL spend between $3,207 - $3,919 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 21.3% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL with 38 guests spend between $2,799 - $3,421 on wedding photography, which is about 18.6% 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.
