Wedding Cost Estimate for 2021 in Charleston SC

Planning a wedding in Charleston SC? You're in the right place. This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 200 to 300 people and an average wedding cost of $39,627 - $48,433. 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 Columbia SC

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $39,627 - $48,433
Lives in: Columbia SC
Planning a wedding in: Charleston SC
Season: Summer Wedding in 2021
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 250 guests with a range of 200 to 300 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $159 - $194 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony will be at one location while the reception will be at another
Ceremony Location: a church or other place of worship
Reception Location: an event facility
Type of wedding: Formal, Traditional
Wedding color theme: Greens
Highest priorities:
  • Entertainment (DJ, Live Band, Musician/s, etc.)
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue
  • Photography & Video

Wedding Cost Category Summary

Category Estimated Cost Percent of Estimate
Attire & Accessories $1,499 - $1,833 3.8%
Beauty & Spa $175 - $213 0.4%
Entertainment $2,084 - $2,548 5.3%
Flowers & Decorations $2,868 - $3,506 7.2%
Gifts & Favors $1,374 - $1,680 3.5%
Invitations $975 - $1,191 2.5%
Jewelry $862 - $1,054 2.2%
Photography & Video $2,295 - $2,805 5.8%
Planner/Consultant $851 - $1,040 2.1%
Venue, Catering & Rentals $26,644 - $32,564 67.2%

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 250 guests in Charleston SC?
For a wedding with 250 guests in the Charleston SC, the estimated total cost is around $39,627 - $48,433. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Charleston SC?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Charleston SC is approximately $176. With a guest count of 250, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $39,627 - $48,433.
How does the cost of a wedding in Charleston SC compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Charleston SC is currently trending higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $39,627 - $48,433 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.

Attire & Accessories

How much should I budget for a wedding dress accessories in Columbia SC?
In Columbia SC, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $231 - $283. This represents about 0.6% of your total wedding expenses.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Columbia SC?
In Columbia SC, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $1,268 - $1,550. This represents about 3.2% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $1,499 - $1,833 3.8%
Dress Accessories $231 - $283 0.6%
Wedding Dress $1,268 - $1,550 3.2%

Beauty & Spa

How much does professional wedding hair and makeup cost in Columbia SC?
For the bride, the estimated cost for professional hair and makeup services in Columbia SC is $175 - $213. This budget can also include trial runs and services for the bridal party. It makes up 0.4% of the total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Beauty & Spa
Beauty & Spa Cost $175 - $213 0.4%
Hair Service $73 - $89 0.2%
Makeup Service $59 - $73 0.1%
Manicure & Pedicure $42 - $52 0.1%

Entertainment

How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Charleston SC?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $2,084 - $2,548, which is 5.3% of your total.
How much does it cost to hire a live band for a wedding reception?
For a live band, couples in Charleston SC typically budget around $2,084 - $2,548 which is 5.3% of your total.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $2,084 - $2,548 5.3%
Live Band $2,084 - $2,548 5.3%

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 $2,868 - $3,506. This accounts for roughly 7.2% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $2,868 - $3,506 7.2%
Bouquets $351 - $429 0.9%
Boutonnieres, Corsages $158 - $194 0.4%
Wedding Venue Decorations $473 - $579 1.2%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $1,220 - $1,491 3.1%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $666 - $814 1.7%

Gifts & Favors

How much should we spend on wedding favors for 250 guests?
For wedding favors for 250 guests and thank-you gifts for the wedding party and parents, a typical budget in your area is $1,374 - $1,680.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $1,374 - $1,680 3.5%
Gift/s for Parents $113 - $138 0.3%
Tips (for all services) $775 - $947 2.0%
Wedding Favors $487 - $595 1.2%

Invitations

How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 250 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $975 - $1,191. This is approximately 2.5% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $975 - $1,191 2.5%
Guest Book $123 - $151 0.3%
Invitations & Reply Cards $450 - $550 1.1%
Postage $219 - $267 0.6%
Thank You Cards $183 - $223 0.5%

Jewelry

How much should be budgeted for wedding rings (Wedding ring/band for HIM)?
The budget for the couple's wedding bands (Wedding ring/band for HIM) is estimated at $500 - $612, which is about 1.3% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Jewelry Cost $862 - $1,054 2.2%
Bracelet $194 - $237 0.5%
Earrings $168 - $206 0.4%
Wedding ring/band for HIM $500 - $612 1.3%

Photography & Video

What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Columbia SC?
On average, couples in Columbia SC spend between $2,295 - $2,805 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 5.8% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Charleston SC?
On average, couples in Charleston SC with 250 guests spend between $1,936 - $2,366 on wedding photography, which is about 4.9% of your total wedding cost.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $2,295 - $2,805 5.8%
Engagement Session $359 - $439 0.9%
Wedding Photographer $1,936 - $2,366 4.9%

Planner/Consultant

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Planner/Consultant
Planner/Consultant Cost $851 - $1,040 2.1%

Venue, Catering & Rentals

What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Venue, Catering & Rentals
Venue, Catering & Rentals Cost $26,644 - $32,564 67.2%

The average cost of a wedding in Charleston SC 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 Charleston SC

Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 50 to 100 guests is between $32,610 and $39,856
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 50 to 100 guests. The ceremony is at a wedding chapel and reception is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Elegant, Formal, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $32,610 and $39,856.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 150 to 200 guests is between $48,063 and $58,743
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a winter wedding in 2026 with 150 to 200 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at some other location. The type of wedding is Elegant, Formal, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $48,063 and $58,743.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 100 to 150 guests is between $39,448 and $48,214
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Intimate, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Pinks. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $39,448 and $48,214.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 100 to 150 guests is between $42,806 and $52,318
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a summer wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Fun, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Other. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $42,806 and $52,318.
Average Wedding Cost Charleston SC with 100 to 150 guests is between $37,313 and $45,605
What is the average wedding cost in Charleston SC? Its a spring wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a country club or golf course. The type of wedding is Beach, Elegant, Formal and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $37,313 and $45,605.