Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Cary NC

Planning a wedding in Cary NC? 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 $48,545 - $59,333. 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 Raleigh NC

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $48,545 - $59,333
Lives in: Raleigh NC
Planning a wedding in: Cary NC
Season: Summer 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 $277 - $339 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony will be at one location while the reception will be at another
Ceremony Location: a garden or park
Reception Location: a resort or hotel
Type of wedding: Elegant, Formal, Traditional
Wedding color theme: Gold
Highest priorities:
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue
  • Invitations

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 175 guests in Cary NC?
For a wedding with 175 guests in the Cary NC, the estimated total cost is around $48,545 - $59,333. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Cary NC?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Cary NC is approximately $308. With a guest count of 175, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $48,545 - $59,333.
How does the cost of a wedding in Cary NC compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Cary NC is currently trending higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $48,545 - $59,333 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress accessories in Raleigh NC?
In Raleigh NC, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $274 - $334. This represents about 0.6% 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 $283 - $345.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Raleigh NC?
In Raleigh NC, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $1,554 - $1,900. This represents about 3.2% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $2,238 - $2,736 4.6%
Dress Accessories $274 - $334 0.6%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $128 - $156 0.3%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $283 - $345 0.6%
Wedding Dress $1,554 - $1,900 3.2%
What is the average price of a wedding cake in Cary NC?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 175 guests in Cary NC is $770 - $941. 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 Cary NC 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 $770 - $941 1.6%
Wedding Cake/dessert $770 - $941 1.6%
How much does professional wedding hair and makeup cost in Cary NC?
For the bride, the estimated cost for professional hair and makeup services in Cary NC is $276 - $338. 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 $276 - $338 0.6%
Hair Service $117 - $143 0.2%
Makeup Service $100 - $122 0.2%
Manicure & Pedicure $59 - $73 0.1%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Cary NC?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,958 - $2,394, which is 4.0% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Cary NC?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Cary NC area is $1,354 - $1,654.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $1,958 - $2,394 4.0%
DJ/MC $1,354 - $1,654 2.8%
Entertainment lighting $605 - $739 1.2%
How much does it cost to rent a wedding venue in Cary NC?
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 175 guest wedding in Cary NC, you should budget approximately $23,710 - $28,978, which is about 48.8% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $23,710 - $28,978 48.8%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $4,245 - $5,189 8.7%
Wedding Venue Food Service $8,120 - $9,924 16.7%
Wedding Venue Location $8,408 - $10,276 17.3%
Wedding Venue Rentals $2,937 - $3,589 6.0%
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 $4,063 - $4,965. This accounts for roughly 8.4% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $4,063 - $4,965 8.4%
Bouquets $568 - $694 1.2%
Boutonnieres, Corsages $260 - $318 0.5%
Wedding Venue Accessories $581 - $711 1.2%
Wedding Venue Decorations $891 - $1,089 1.8%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $1,069 - $1,307 2.2%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $693 - $847 1.4%
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 $972 - $1,188.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $972 - $1,188 2.0%
Gift/s for Attendants $115 - $141 0.2%
Gift/s for Parents $159 - $195 0.3%
Tips (for all services) $698 - $853 1.4%
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 $1,339 - $1,637. This is approximately 2.8% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $1,339 - $1,637 2.8%
Ceremony Programs $214 - $262 0.4%
Guest Book $104 - $127 0.2%
Invitations & Reply Cards $350 - $428 0.7%
Postage $162 - $198 0.3%
Save the Date Cards $198 - $242 0.4%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $153 - $187 0.3%
Thank You Cards $158 - $194 0.3%
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 $873 - $1,067, which is about 1.8% 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 $551 - $673, which is about 1.1% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Jewelry Cost $2,078 - $2,540 4.3%
Bracelet $201 - $245 0.4%
Earrings $200 - $244 0.4%
Necklace $254 - $310 0.5%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1 $873 - $1,067 1.8%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $551 - $673 1.1%
What is the average fee for a wedding officiant in Cary NC?
The average fee for a professional wedding officiant in the Cary NC area is $256 - $312. This can vary depending on ceremony customization and travel.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Officiant
Officiant Cost $256 - $312 0.5%
Officiant $256 - $312 0.5%
How much does a rehearsal dinner cost in Cary NC?
For a rehearsal dinner or other related events (like a welcome party), you should plan to budget around $1,004 - $1,227.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Events
Other Events Cost $1,004 - $1,227 2.1%
Rehearsal Dinner $1,004 - $1,227 2.1%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Cary NC?
On average, couples in Cary NC spend between $6,301 - $7,701 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 13.0% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Cary NC?
On average, couples in Cary NC with 175 guests spend between $3,133 - $3,829 on wedding photography, which is about 6.5% of your total wedding cost.
How much should I budget for a wedding videographer?
The estimated cost to hire a wedding videographer in Cary NC is $2,392 - $2,924. This makes up a portion of your (4.9%) allocation for capturing memories.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $6,301 - $7,701 13.0%
Engagement Session $340 - $416 0.7%
Photo Booth $436 - $532 0.9%
Wedding Photographer $3,133 - $3,829 6.5%
Wedding Videographer $2,392 - $2,924 4.9%
How much does a Wedding Coordinator cost in Cary NC?
The cost for a Wedding Coordinator in Cary NC is estimated to be $1,993 - $2,435. This service accounts for 4.1% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Planner/Coordinator Cost $1,993 - $2,435 4.1%
Wedding Coordinator $1,993 - $2,435 4.1%
What is the cost of wedding transportation like a limo or shuttle bus?
For transportation on your wedding day for the couple and/or guests, the estimated budget is $1,589 - $1,942.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Transportation
Transportation Cost $1,589 - $1,942 3.3%
Limo Rental $531 - $649 1.1%
Other Transportation $1,058 - $1,293 2.2%
Create Wedding Cost Estimate

11-Month Wedding Purchase Timeline

Wedding Rings/Bands (not Engagement Ring)

Purchase/Book By:

8.7 mos

Event Location/Venue

Purchase/Book By:

8.4 mos

Invitations

Purchase/Book By:

7.1 mos

Wedding Dress

Purchase/Book By:

7 mos

Event Rentals

Purchase/Book By:

6.8 mos

Ceremony Officiant (JP, Officiant, Celebrant, Pastor, Priest, etc.)

Purchase/Book By:

6.3 mos

Photography & Video Services

Purchase/Book By:

6.2 mos

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

Purchase/Book By:

6.1 mos

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

Purchase/Book By:

6 mos

Event Bar Service

Purchase/Book By:

6 mos

Transportation (Limo, Other Travel, etc)

Purchase/Book By:

5.9 mos

Event Food Service or Catering

Purchase/Book By:

5.7 mos

Planner - (Coordination Services)

Purchase/Book By:

5.5 mos

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

Purchase/Book By:

5.2 mos

Bakery (Wedding Cake/dessert)

Purchase/Book By:

5.2 mos

Suit or Tuxedo

Purchase/Book By:

5.1 mos

Gifts & Favors

Purchase/Book By:

5 mos

Attire Accessories

Purchase/Book By:

4.9 mos

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

Purchase/Book By:

3.8 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 Cary NC 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 Cary NC

Average Wedding Cost Cary NC with 150 to 200 guests is between $48,545 and $59,333
What is the average wedding cost in Cary NC? Its a summer wedding in 2026 with 150 to 200 guests. The ceremony is at a garden or park and reception is at a resort or hotel. The type of wedding is Elegant, Formal, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Gold. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $48,545 and $59,333.
Average Wedding Cost Cary NC with 50 to 100 guests is between $34,489 and $42,153
What is the average wedding cost in Cary NC? Its a spring wedding in 2026 with 50 to 100 guests. The wedding is at a country club or golf course. The type of wedding is Elegant, Intimate, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Gold. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $34,489 and $42,153.
Average wedding cost in Cary NC with 100 to 150 guests is between $37,198 and $45,464
What is the average wedding cost in Cary NC? Its a fall wedding with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Fun, Romantic, Rustic and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $37,198 and $45,464.
Average wedding cost in Cary NC with 100 to 150 guests is between $39,296 and $48,028
What is the average wedding cost in Cary NC? Its a spring wedding with 100 to 150 guests. The type of wedding is Elegant, Intimate, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $39,296 and $48,028.
Average wedding cost in Cary NC with 150 to 200 guests is between $54,453 and $66,553
What is the average wedding cost in Cary NC? The number of guests is between 150 to 200. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at a banquet hall. The type of wedding is Experience, Fun, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $54,453 and $66,553.
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