For a wedding with 250 guests in the Chicago IL, the estimated total cost is around $51,813 - $63,327. This budget is a full estimate based on local averages across all vendor categories.
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Chicago IL is approximately $230. With a guest count of 250, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $51,813 - $63,327.
The average wedding cost in Chicago IL is currently trending higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $51,813 - $63,327 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
Attire & Accessories
In Chicago IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $161 - $197. This represents about 0.3% of your total wedding expenses.
The estimated cost for the groom's attire and any rentals for the wedding party is $172 - $210.
In Chicago IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $968 - $1,184. This represents about 1.9% of your total wedding expenses.
| Attire & Accessories Cost |
$1,373 - $1,679 |
2.7% |
|
Dress Accessories
|
$161 - $197 |
0.3% |
|
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories
|
$72 - $88 |
0.1% |
|
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase
|
$172 - $210 |
0.3% |
|
Wedding Dress
|
$968 - $1,184 |
1.9% |
Bakery
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 250 guests in Chicago IL is $1,044 - $1,276. This price can vary based on the complexity of the design and flavors.
In the Chicago IL area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $4 - $5 per slice.
| Bakery Cost |
$1,044 - $1,276 |
2.0% |
|
Wedding Cake/dessert
|
$1,044 - $1,276 |
2.0% |
Entertainment
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,814 - $2,217, which is 3.5% of your total.
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Chicago IL area is $1,267 - $1,549.
| Entertainment Cost |
$1,814 - $2,217 |
3.5% |
|
DJ/MC
|
$1,267 - $1,549 |
2.4% |
|
Entertainment lighting
|
$546 - $668 |
1.1% |
Event Venue
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 250 guest wedding in Chicago IL, you should budget approximately $29,881 - $36,521, which is about 57.7% of your total budget.
| Event Venue Cost |
$29,881 - $36,521 |
57.7% |
|
Wedding Venue Bar Service
|
$5,419 - $6,623 |
10.5% |
|
Wedding Venue Food Service
|
$10,542 - $12,884 |
20.3% |
|
Wedding Venue Location
|
$10,079 - $12,319 |
19.5% |
|
Wedding Venue Rentals
|
$3,841 - $4,695 |
7.4% |
Flowers & Decorations
The estimated budget for all wedding floral arrangements (including bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces) and decorations is $4,919 - $6,013. This accounts for roughly 9.5% of your total expenses.
| Flowers & Decorations Cost |
$4,919 - $6,013 |
9.5% |
|
Bouquets
|
$593 - $725 |
1.1% |
|
Boutonnieres, Corsages
|
$265 - $323 |
0.5% |
|
Wedding Venue Decorations
|
$930 - $1,136 |
1.8% |
|
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements
|
$1,493 - $1,825 |
2.9% |
|
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces
|
$923 - $1,129 |
1.8% |
Invitations
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $1,842 - $2,252. This is approximately 3.6% of your overall budget.
| Invitations Cost |
$1,842 - $2,252 |
3.6% |
|
Ceremony Programs
|
$257 - $314 |
0.5% |
|
Engagement Announcements
|
$222 - $272 |
0.4% |
|
Guest Book
|
$121 - $147 |
0.2% |
|
Invitations & Reply Cards
|
$423 - $517 |
0.8% |
|
Postage
|
$237 - $289 |
0.5% |
|
Save the Date Cards
|
$228 - $278 |
0.4% |
|
Table Name and Escort/place Cards
|
$172 - $210 |
0.3% |
|
Thank You Cards
|
$184 - $224 |
0.4% |
Jewelry
| Jewelry Cost |
$2,512 - $3,070 |
4.8% |
|
Engagement Ring
|
$2,512 - $3,070 |
4.8% |
Other Items
| Other Items Cost |
$410 - $502 |
0.8% |
Photography & Video
On average, couples in Chicago IL spend between $5,266 - $6,436 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 10.2% of your overall budget.
On average, couples in Chicago IL with 250 guests spend between $2,867 - $3,505 on wedding photography, which is about 5.5% of your total wedding cost.
The estimated cost to hire a wedding videographer in Chicago IL is $2,099 - $2,565. That's about 4.1% of your total budget.
| Photography & Video Cost |
$5,266 - $6,436 |
10.2% |
|
Engagement Session
|
$300 - $366 |
0.6% |
|
Wedding Photographer
|
$2,867 - $3,505 |
5.5% |
|
Wedding Videographer
|
$2,099 - $2,565 |
4.1% |
