Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Charleston SC

Planning a wedding in Charleston SC? You're in the right place. This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 150 to 200 people and an average wedding cost of $48,063 - $58,743. 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. Get wedding statistics for Charlotte Concord Gastonia NC SC

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $48,063 - $58,743
Lives in: Huntersville NC
Planning a wedding in: Charleston SC
Season: Winter Wedding in 2026
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 175 guests with a range of 150 to 200 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $275 - $336 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony will be at one location while the reception will be at another
Ceremony Location: some other location
Reception Location: some other location
Type of wedding: Elegant, Formal, Romantic
Wedding color theme: Black
Highest priorities:
  • Attire & Accessories (Wedding Dress, Suit, etc.)
  • Beauty, Health & Spa (Hair, Makeup, etc.)
  • Event Location/Venue

Wedding Cost Category Summary

Category Estimated Cost Percent of Estimate
Attire & Accessories $3,860 - $4,718 8.0%
Bakery $778 - $950 1.6%
Beauty & Spa $267 - $327 0.6%
Entertainment $1,771 - $2,165 3.7%
Event Venue $21,767 - $26,604 45.3%
Flowers & Decorations $5,017 - $6,131 10.4%
Gifts & Favors $1,067 - $1,304 2.2%
Invitations $1,508 - $1,844 3.1%
Jewelry $3,470 - $4,241 7.2%
Other Events $906 - $1,108 1.9%
Photography & Video $5,852 - $7,152 12.2%
Planner/Coordinator $1,801 - $2,201 3.7%

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 175 guests in Charleston SC?
For a wedding with 175 guests in the Charleston SC, the estimated total cost is around $48,063 - $58,743. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Charleston SC?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Charleston SC is approximately $305. With a guest count of 175, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $48,063 - $58,743.
How does the cost of a wedding in Charleston SC compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Charleston SC is currently trending higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $48,063 - $58,743 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.

Attire & Accessories

How much should I budget for a wedding dress accessories in Huntersville NC?
In Huntersville NC, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $472 - $576. This represents about 1.0% 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 $487 - $595.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Huntersville NC?
In Huntersville NC, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $2,681 - $3,277. This represents about 5.6% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $3,860 - $4,718 8.0%
Dress Accessories $472 - $576 1.0%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $221 - $270 0.5%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $487 - $595 1.0%
Wedding Dress $2,681 - $3,277 5.6%

Bakery

What is the average price of a wedding cake in Charleston SC?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 175 guests in Charleston SC is $778 - $950. 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 Charleston SC area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $4 - $5 per slice.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Bakery Cost $778 - $950 1.6%
Wedding Cake/dessert $778 - $950 1.6%

Beauty & Spa

How much does professional wedding hair and makeup cost in Charleston SC?
For the bride, the estimated cost for professional hair and makeup services in Charleston SC is $267 - $327. This budget can also include trial runs and services for the bridal party. It makes up 0.6% of the total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Beauty & Spa
Beauty & Spa Cost $267 - $327 0.6%
Hair Service $113 - $138 0.2%
Makeup Service $96 - $118 0.2%
Manicure & Pedicure $59 - $72 0.1%

Entertainment

How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Charleston SC?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,771 - $2,165, which is 3.7% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Charleston SC?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Charleston SC area is $1,224 - $1,496.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $1,771 - $2,165 3.7%
DJ/MC $1,224 - $1,496 2.5%
Entertainment lighting $547 - $669 1.1%

Event Venue

How much does it cost to rent a wedding venue in Charleston SC?
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 175 guest wedding in Charleston SC, you should budget approximately $21,767 - $26,604, which is about 45.3% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $21,767 - $26,604 45.3%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $4,355 - $5,323 9.1%
Wedding Venue Food Service $8,332 - $10,184 17.3%
Wedding Venue Location $9,079 - $11,097 18.9%

Flowers & Decorations

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 $5,017 - $6,131. This accounts for roughly 10.4% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $5,017 - $6,131 10.4%
Bouquets $527 - $645 1.1%
Boutonnieres, Corsages $242 - $296 0.5%
Wedding Venue Decorations $1,247 - $1,525 2.6%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $1,689 - $2,065 3.5%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $1,310 - $1,602 2.7%

Gifts & Favors

How much should we spend on wedding favors for 175 guests?
For wedding favors for 175 guests and thank-you gifts for the wedding party and parents, a typical budget in your area is $1,067 - $1,304.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $1,067 - $1,304 2.2%
Gift/s for Attendants $148 - $180 0.3%
Gift/s for Parents $203 - $249 0.4%
Tips (for all services) $716 - $875 1.5%

Invitations

How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 175 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $1,508 - $1,844. This is approximately 3.1% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $1,508 - $1,844 3.1%
Ceremony Programs $254 - $310 0.5%
Guest Book $119 - $145 0.2%
Invitations & Reply Cards $400 - $488 0.8%
Postage $157 - $191 0.3%
Save the Date Cards $225 - $275 0.5%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $174 - $212 0.4%
Thank You Cards $181 - $221 0.4%

Jewelry

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 $1,456 - $1,780, which is about 3.0% 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 $919 - $1,123, which is about 1.9% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Jewelry Cost $3,470 - $4,241 7.2%
Bracelet $336 - $410 0.7%
Earrings $335 - $409 0.7%
Necklace $424 - $518 0.9%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1 $1,456 - $1,780 3.0%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $919 - $1,123 1.9%

Other Events

How much does a rehearsal dinner cost in Charleston SC?
For a rehearsal dinner or other related events (like a welcome party), you should plan to budget around $906 - $1,108.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Events
Other Events Cost $906 - $1,108 1.9%
Rehearsal Dinner $906 - $1,108 1.9%

Photography & Video

What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Charleston SC?
On average, couples in Charleston SC spend between $5,852 - $7,152 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 12.2% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Charleston SC?
On average, couples in Charleston SC with 175 guests spend between $2,831 - $3,460 on wedding photography, which is about 5.9% of your total wedding cost.
How much should I budget for a wedding videographer?
The estimated cost to hire a wedding videographer in Charleston SC is $2,162 - $2,642. This makes up a portion of your (4.5%) allocation for capturing memories.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $5,852 - $7,152 12.2%
Engagement Session $434 - $530 0.9%
Photo Booth $426 - $520 0.9%
Wedding Photographer $2,831 - $3,460 5.9%
Wedding Videographer $2,162 - $2,642 4.5%

Planner/Coordinator

How much does a Wedding Coordinator cost in Charleston SC?
The cost for a Wedding Coordinator in Charleston SC is estimated to be $1,801 - $2,201. This service accounts for 3.7% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Planner/Coordinator Cost $1,801 - $2,201 3.7%
Wedding Coordinator $1,801 - $2,201 3.7%

12-Month Wedding Purchase Timeline

Wedding Rings/Bands (not Engagement Ring)

Purchase/Book By:

9 mos

Event Location/Venue

Purchase/Book By:

8.7 mos

Invitations

Purchase/Book By:

7.4 mos

Wedding Dress

Purchase/Book By:

7.3 mos

Photography & Video Services

Purchase/Book By:

6.5 mos

Other Wedding Jewelry (Earrings, Necklace, Watches, etc.)

Purchase/Book By:

6.4 mos

Event Bar Service

Purchase/Book By:

6.3 mos

Entertainment (DJ, Live Band, Musician/s, etc.)

Purchase/Book By:

6.3 mos

Event Food Service or Catering

Purchase/Book By:

6 mos

Planner - (Coordination Services)

Purchase/Book By:

5.7 mos

Flowers & Decorations (Bouquets, Arrangements, Decorations, etc.)

Purchase/Book By:

5.4 mos

Bakery (Wedding Cake/dessert)

Purchase/Book By:

5.4 mos

Suit or Tuxedo

Purchase/Book By:

5.3 mos

Gifts & Favors

Purchase/Book By:

5.2 mos

Attire Accessories

Purchase/Book By:

5.1 mos

Beauty, Health & Spa (Hair, Makeup, Diet, etc.)

Purchase/Book By:

4 mos

NOTE: This wedding timeline is crafted based on the purchasing habits of other couples, providing a practical framework to guide your planning process. By reflecting common choices and sequences, it offers a reliable structure to help you organize your special day effectively.

The average cost of a wedding in Charleston SC 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.

Other Wedding Cost Estimates for Charleston SC

Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 150 to 200 guests is between $48,063 and $58,743
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a winter wedding in 2026 with 150 to 200 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at some other location. The type of wedding is Elegant, Formal, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $48,063 and $58,743.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 100 to 150 guests is between $39,448 and $48,214
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Intimate, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Pinks. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $39,448 and $48,214.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 100 to 150 guests is between $42,806 and $52,318
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a summer wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Fun, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Other. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $42,806 and $52,318.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 100 to 150 guests is between $37,313 and $45,605
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a spring wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a country club or golf course. The type of wedding is Beach, Elegant, Formal and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $37,313 and $45,605.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 100 to 150 guests is between $41,006 and $50,118
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a winter wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Garden, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $41,006 and $50,118.