Planning a wedding in Chicago? This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 100 to 150 people and an average wedding cost of $26,921 - $32,903. 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 125 guests with a range of 100 to 150 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $215 - $263 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony will be at one location while the reception will be at another
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.
What is the average cost of a wedding for 125 guests in Chicago?
For a wedding with 125 guests in the Chicago, the estimated total cost is around $26,921 - $32,903. This budget is a full estimate based on local averages across all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Chicago?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Chicago is approximately $239. With a guest count of 125, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $26,921 - $32,903.
How does the cost of a wedding in Chicago compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Chicago is currently trending similar than the national average. The estimated budget of $26,921 - $32,903 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
Bakery
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Wedding Cake/dessert
$466 - $570
1.7%
Bakery Total Cost
$466 - $570
1.7%
What is the average price of a wedding cake in Chicago?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 125 guests in Chicago is $466 - $570. 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 area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $4 - $5 per slice.
Entertainment
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
DJ/MC
$1,274 - $1,558
4.7%
Entertainment lighting
$570 - $696
2.1%
Entertainment Total Cost
$1,844 - $2,254
6.9%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Chicago?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,844 - $2,254, which is 6.9% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Chicago?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Chicago area is $1,274 - $1,558.
Event Venue & Services
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue & Services
Wedding Venue Bar Service
$2,547 - $3,113
9.5%
Wedding Venue Food Service
$4,873 - $5,955
18.1%
Wedding Venue Location Fee
$5,065 - $6,191
18.8%
Wedding Venue Rentals
$1,762 - $2,154
6.5%
Event Venue & Services Total Cost
$14,247 - $17,413
52.9%
How much does it cost to rent a wedding venue in Chicago?
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 125 guest wedding in Chicago, you should budget approximately $14,247 - $17,413, which is about 52.9% of your total budget.
Flowers & Decorations
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Bouquets
$569 - $695
2.1%
Boutonnieres/Corsages
$261 - $319
1.0%
Ceremony Flowers & Decorations
$1,014 - $1,240
3.8%
Reception and Table Flowers & Decorations
$786 - $960
2.9%
Venue Decorations
$1,005 - $1,229
3.7%
Flowers & Decorations Total Cost
$3,635 - $4,443
13.5%
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 $3,635 - $4,443. This accounts for roughly 13.5% of your total expenses.
Invitations
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations and Reply Cards
$503 - $615
1.9%
Postage
$221 - $270
0.8%
Save the Date Cards
$284 - $348
1.1%
Thank You Cards
$229 - $279
0.8%
Invitations Total Cost
$1,237 - $1,511
4.6%
How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 125 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $1,237 - $1,511. This is approximately 4.6% of your overall budget.
Photography & Video
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Digital or Photo cd/dvd
$296 - $362
1.1%
Engagement Session
$454 - $554
1.7%
Prints/Enlargements
$331 - $405
1.2%
Wedding album/s or photo book/s
$598 - $730
2.2%
Wedding Photographer
$3,534 - $4,320
13.1%
Photography & Video Total Cost
$5,213 - $6,371
19.4%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL spend between $5,213 - $6,371 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 19.4% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Chicago?
On average, couples in Chicago with 125 guests spend between $3,534 - $4,320 on wedding photography, which is about 13.1% of your total wedding cost.
The average cost of a wedding in Chicago 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.
