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 25 to 50 people and an average wedding cost of $17,410 - $21,278. 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: $17,410 - $21,278
Lives in: Bensenville IL
Planning a wedding in: Chicago IL See Chicago Naperville Elgin IL IN WI market data
Season: Summer Wedding in 2026
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 $458 - $560 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 restaurant
Type of wedding: Elegant, Fun, Unique
Wedding color theme: Champagne
Highest priorities:
  • Attire & Accessories (Wedding Dress, Suit, etc.)
  • Event Location/Venue
  • Photography & Video

Wedding Cost Category Summary

Category Estimated Cost Percent of Estimate
Attire & Accessories $2,147 - $2,624 12.3%
Bakery $123 - $151 0.7%
Beauty & Spa $57 - $69 0.3%
Entertainment $1,751 - $2,140 10.1%
Event Venue $5,554 - $6,788 31.9%
Flowers & Decorations $157 - $191 0.9%
Gifts & Favors $236 - $288 1.4%
Invitations $132 - $162 0.8%
Jewelry $497 - $607 2.9%
Other Events $944 - $1,154 5.4%
Photography & Video $3,681 - $4,499 21.1%
Planner/Coordinator $1,988 - $2,430 11.4%
Transportation $144 - $176 0.8%
Total Cost $17,410 - $21,278 100%
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 $17,410 - $21,278. 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 $509. With a guest count of 38, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $17,410 - $21,278.
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 $17,410 - $21,278 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 $253 - $309 1.5%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $114 - $140 0.7%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $273 - $333 1.6%
Wedding Dress $1,507 - $1,841 8.7%
Attire & Accessories Total Cost $2,147 - $2,624 12.3%
How much should I budget for wedding dress accessories in Bensenville IL?
In Bensenville IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $253 - $309. This represents about 1.5% 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 $273 - $333.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Bensenville IL?
In Bensenville IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $1,507 - $1,841. This represents about 8.7% of your total wedding expenses.

Bakery

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Wedding Cake/dessert $123 - $151 0.7%
Bakery Total Cost $123 - $151 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 $123 - $151. 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 - $4 per slice.

Entertainment

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment lighting $577 - $705 3.3%
Musician/s, Soloist, or Ensemble $1,174 - $1,434 6.7%
Entertainment Total Cost $1,751 - $2,140 10.1%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Chicago IL?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,751 - $2,140, which is 10.1% of your total.

Event Venue

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Wedding Venue Bar Service $628 - $768 3.6%
Wedding Venue Food Service $1,220 - $1,491 7.0%
Wedding Venue Location $3,263 - $3,989 18.7%
Wedding Venue Rentals $443 - $541 2.5%
Event Venue Total Cost $5,554 - $6,788 31.9%
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 $5,554 - $6,788, which is about 31.9% of your total budget.

Flowers & Decorations

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $157 - $191 0.9%
Flowers & Decorations Total Cost $157 - $191 0.9%
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 $157 - $191. This accounts for roughly 0.9% of your total expenses.

Invitations

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Guest Book $15 - $19 0.1%
Invitations & Reply Cards $50 - $62 0.3%
Postage $21 - $25 0.1%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $23 - $28 0.1%
Thank You Cards $23 - $29 0.1%
Invitations Total Cost $132 - $162 0.8%
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 $132 - $162. This is approximately 0.8% of your overall budget.

Jewelry

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $497 - $607 2.9%
Jewelry Total Cost $497 - $607 2.9%
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 $497 - $607, which is about 2.9% 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
Wedding Photographer $3,681 - $4,499 21.1%
Photography & Video Total Cost $3,681 - $4,499 21.1%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Bensenville IL?
On average, couples in Bensenville IL spend between $3,681 - $4,499 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 21.1% 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 $3,681 - $4,499 on wedding photography, which is about 21.1% of your total wedding cost.

Planner/Coordinator

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Wedding Coordinator $1,988 - $2,430 11.4%
Planner/Coordinator Total Cost $1,988 - $2,430 11.4%
How much does a Wedding Coordinator cost in Chicago IL?
The cost for a Wedding Coordinator in Chicago IL is estimated to be $1,988 - $2,430. This service accounts for 11.4% of your total budget.

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.