Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Chicago IL

Planning a wedding in Chicago IL? You're in the right place. This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 50 to 100 people and an average wedding cost of $26,224 - $32,052. 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 Chicago Naperville Elgin IL IN WI

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $26,224 - $32,052
Lives in: Saint Charles IL
Planning a wedding in: Chicago IL
Season: Spring Wedding in 2026
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 75 guests with a range of 50 to 100 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $350 - $427 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony will be at one location while the reception will be at another
Ceremony Location: the beach
Reception Location: a banquet hall
Type of wedding: Experience, Romantic, Simple
Wedding color theme: Black
Highest priorities:
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue
  • Planner/Coordinator

Wedding Cost Category Summary

Category Estimated Cost Percent of Estimate
Attire & Accessories $3,516 - $4,298 13.4%
Bakery $276 - $338 1.1%
Entertainment $1,944 - $2,376 7.4%
Event Venue & Services $6,629 - $8,102 25.3%
Flowers & Decorations $1,945 - $2,377 7.4%
Gifts & Favors $966 - $1,180 3.7%
Invitations $1,835 - $2,243 7.0%
Photography & Video $7,136 - $8,722 27.2%
Planner/Coordinator $1,977 - $2,417 7.5%

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 75 guests in Chicago IL?
For a wedding with 75 guests in the Chicago IL, the estimated total cost is around $26,224 - $32,052. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for 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 $389. With a guest count of 75, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $26,224 - $32,052.
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 $26,224 - $32,052 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.

Attire & Accessories

How much should I budget for a wedding dress accessories in Saint Charles IL?
In Saint Charles IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $429 - $525. This represents about 1.6% 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 $445 - $543.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Saint Charles IL?
In Saint Charles IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $2,442 - $2,984. This represents about 9.3% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $3,516 - $4,298 13.4%
Dress Accessories $429 - $525 1.6%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $201 - $245 0.8%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $445 - $543 1.7%
Wedding Dress $2,442 - $2,984 9.3%

Bakery

What is the average price of a wedding cake in Chicago IL?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 75 guests in Chicago IL is $276 - $338. 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 - $5 per slice.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Bakery Cost $276 - $338 1.1%
Wedding Cake/dessert $276 - $338 1.1%

Entertainment

How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Chicago IL?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,944 - $2,376, which is 7.4% 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 $1,344 - $1,642.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $1,944 - $2,376 7.4%
DJ/MC $1,344 - $1,642 5.1%
Entertainment lighting $600 - $734 2.3%

Event Venue & Services

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 75 guest wedding in Chicago IL, you should budget approximately $6,629 - $8,102, which is about 25.3% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue & Services
Event Venue & Services Cost $6,629 - $8,102 25.3%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $1,505 - $1,839 5.7%
Wedding Venue Food Service $2,879 - $3,519 11.0%
Wedding Venue Location Fee $2,245 - $2,743 8.6%

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 $1,945 - $2,377. This accounts for roughly 7.4% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $1,945 - $2,377 7.4%
Bouquets $547 - $669 2.1%
Ceremony Flowers & Decorations $601 - $735 2.3%
Reception and Table Flowers & Decorations $465 - $569 1.8%
Unique Decorations $331 - $405 1.3%

Gifts & Favors

How much should we spend on wedding favors for 75 guests?
For wedding favors for 75 guests and thank-you gifts for the wedding party and parents, a typical budget in your area is $966 - $1,180.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $966 - $1,180 3.7%
Gift/s for Attendants $140 - $172 0.5%
Gift/s for Parents $194 - $238 0.7%
Tips (for all services) $247 - $301 0.9%
Wedding Favors $384 - $470 1.5%

Invitations

How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 75 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $1,835 - $2,243. This is approximately 7.0% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $1,835 - $2,243 7.0%
Ceremony Programs $232 - $284 0.9%
Engagement Announcements $209 - $255 0.8%
Guest Book $108 - $132 0.4%
Invitations and Reply Cards $365 - $446 1.4%
Postage $167 - $204 0.6%
Reception Menus $225 - $275 0.9%
Save the Date Cards $206 - $252 0.8%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $158 - $194 0.6%
Thank You Cards $166 - $202 0.6%

Photography & Video

What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Saint Charles IL?
On average, couples in Saint Charles IL spend between $7,136 - $8,722 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 27.2% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL with 75 guests spend between $3,108 - $3,798 on wedding photography, which is about 11.9% of your total wedding cost.
How much should I budget for a wedding videographer?
The estimated cost to hire a wedding videographer in Chicago IL is $2,373 - $2,901. This makes up a portion of your (9.1%) allocation for capturing memories.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $7,136 - $8,722 27.2%
Digital or Photo cd/dvd $296 - $362 1.1%
Engagement Session $430 - $526 1.6%
Prints/Enlargements $331 - $405 1.3%
Wedding album/s or photo book/s $598 - $730 2.3%
Wedding Photographer $3,108 - $3,798 11.9%
Wedding Videographer $2,373 - $2,901 9.1%

Planner/Coordinator

How much does a Wedding Coordinator cost in Chicago IL?
The cost for a Wedding Coordinator in Chicago IL is estimated to be $1,977 - $2,417. This service accounts for 7.5% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Planner/Coordinator Cost $1,977 - $2,417 7.5%
Wedding Coordinator $1,977 - $2,417 7.5%
Create Wedding Cost Estimate

4-Month Wedding Purchase Timeline

Event Location/Venue

Purchase/Book By:

5.3 mos

Invitations

Purchase/Book By:

4.9 mos

Wedding Dress

Purchase/Book By:

4.8 mos

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

Purchase/Book By:

4.3 mos

Photography & Video Services

Purchase/Book By:

4.2 mos

Event Rentals

Purchase/Book By:

4 mos

Event Food Service or Catering

Purchase/Book By:

3.9 mos

Event Bar Service

Purchase/Book By:

3.4 mos

Planner - (Coordination Services)

Purchase/Book By:

3.4 mos

Attire Accessories

Purchase/Book By:

3.4 mos

Bakery (Wedding Cake/dessert)

Purchase/Book By:

3.4 mos

Gifts & Favors

Purchase/Book By:

3.2 mos

Suit or Tuxedo

Purchase/Book By:

3.1 mos

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

Purchase/Book By:

3.1 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 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.

Other Wedding Cost Estimates for Chicago IL

Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 50 to 100 guests is between $26,224 and $32,052
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2026 with 50 to 100 guests. The ceremony is at the beach and reception is at a banquet hall. The type of wedding is Experience, Romantic, Simple and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $26,224 and $32,052.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 200 to 300 guests is between $35,853 and $43,821
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a winter wedding in 2026 with 200 to 300 guests. The ceremony is at a church or other place of worship and reception is at a resort or hotel. The type of wedding is Elegant, Romantic, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Gold. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $35,853 and $43,821.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 25 to 50 guests is between $50,367 and $61,559
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a winter wedding in 2026 with 25 to 50 guests. The wedding is at a resort or hotel. The type of wedding is Experience, Fun, Theme and the wedding color theme is Champagne. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $50,367 and $61,559.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 100 to 150 guests is between $40,156 and $49,080
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a winter wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a church or other place of worship. The type of wedding is Farm/Barn, Formal, Fun and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $40,156 and $49,080.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 150 to 200 guests is between $46,061 and $56,297
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 150 to 200 guests. The ceremony is at a church or other place of worship and reception is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Fun, Simple, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Reds. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $46,061 and $56,297.
© The Wedding Report, Inc.