Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Chicago IL

Planning a wedding in Chicago IL? You're in the right place. This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 100 to 150 people and an average wedding cost of $40,156 - $49,080. 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 Chicago Naperville Elgin IL IN WI

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $40,156 - $49,080
Lives in: Chicago IL
Planning a wedding in: Chicago IL
Season: Winter Wedding in 2026
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 $321 - $393 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony and reception will be at the same location
Wedding Location: a church or other place of worship
Type of wedding: Farm/Barn, Formal, Fun
Wedding color theme: Blues
Highest priorities:
  • Attire & Accessories (Wedding Dress, Suit, etc.)
  • Bakery (Wedding Cake/dessert)
  • Beauty, Health & Spa (Hair, Makeup, etc.)

Wedding Cost Category Summary

Category Estimated Cost Percent of Estimate
Attire & Accessories $4,227 - $5,167 10.5%
Bakery $442 - $540 1.1%
Beauty Health & Spa $995 - $1,217 2.5%
Event Venue & Services $13,537 - $16,545 33.7%
Flowers & Decorations $3,475 - $4,247 8.7%
Gifts & Favors $1,007 - $1,231 2.5%
Invitations $1,094 - $1,338 2.7%
Jewelry $7,477 - $9,139 18.6%
Other Events & Items $1,346 - $1,645 3.4%
Photography & Video $6,556 - $8,012 16.3%

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 125 guests in Chicago IL?
For a wedding with 125 guests in the Chicago IL, the estimated total cost is around $40,156 - $49,080. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for 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 $357. With a guest count of 125, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $40,156 - $49,080.
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 higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $40,156 - $49,080 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.

Attire & Accessories

How much should I budget for a wedding dress accessories in Chicago IL?
In Chicago IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $517 - $631. This represents about 1.3% 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 $534 - $652.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Chicago IL?
In Chicago IL, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $2,936 - $3,588. This represents about 7.3% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $4,227 - $5,167 10.5%
Dress Accessories $517 - $631 1.3%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $241 - $295 0.6%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $534 - $652 1.3%
Wedding Dress $2,936 - $3,588 7.3%

Bakery

What is the average price of a wedding cake in Chicago IL?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 125 guests in Chicago IL is $442 - $540. 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 $4 - $4 per slice.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Bakery Cost $442 - $540 1.1%
Wedding Cake/dessert $442 - $540 1.1%

Beauty Health & Spa

How much does professional wedding hair and makeup cost in Chicago IL?
For the bride, the estimated cost for professional hair and makeup services in Chicago IL is $995 - $1,217. This budget can also include trial runs and services for the bridal party. It makes up 2.5% of the total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Beauty Health & Spa
Beauty Health & Spa Cost $995 - $1,217 2.5%
Hair Service $119 - $145 0.3%
Makeup Service $102 - $124 0.3%
Manicure and Pedicure $89 - $109 0.2%
Spa Treatments $212 - $259 0.5%
Teeth Whitening $474 - $580 1.2%

Event Venue & Services

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 125 guest wedding in Chicago IL, you should budget approximately $13,537 - $16,545, which is about 33.7% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue & Services
Event Venue & Services Cost $13,537 - $16,545 33.7%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $2,420 - $2,958 6.0%
Wedding Venue Food Service $4,630 - $5,658 11.5%
Wedding Venue Location Fee $4,813 - $5,883 12.0%
Wedding Venue Rentals $1,674 - $2,046 4.2%

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 $3,475 - $4,247. This accounts for roughly 8.7% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $3,475 - $4,247 8.7%
Bouquets $561 - $685 1.4%
Boutonnieres/Corsages $257 - $315 0.6%
Ceremony Flowers & Decorations $960 - $1,174 2.4%
Reception and Table Flowers & Decorations $744 - $910 1.9%
Venue Decorations $952 - $1,164 2.4%

Gifts & Favors

How much should we spend on wedding favors for 125 guests?
For wedding favors for 125 guests and thank-you gifts for the wedding party and parents, a typical budget in your area is $1,007 - $1,231.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $1,007 - $1,231 2.5%
Gift/s for Attendants $160 - $196 0.4%
Gift/s for Parents $221 - $270 0.5%
Tips (for all services) $397 - $485 1.0%
Wedding Favors $230 - $281 0.6%

Invitations

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 $1,094 - $1,338. This is approximately 2.7% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $1,094 - $1,338 2.7%
Ceremony Programs $140 - $171 0.3%
Engagement Announcements $125 - $153 0.3%
Guest Book $64 - $78 0.2%
Invitations and Reply Cards $219 - $267 0.5%
Postage $94 - $114 0.2%
Reception Menus $136 - $166 0.3%
Save the Date Cards $123 - $151 0.3%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $95 - $117 0.2%
Thank You Cards $99 - $121 0.2%

Jewelry

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 $1,541 - $1,883, which is about 3.8% 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 $972 - $1,188, which is about 2.4% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Jewelry Cost $7,477 - $9,139 18.6%
Engagement Ring $4,964 - $6,068 12.4%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1 $1,541 - $1,883 3.8%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $972 - $1,188 2.4%

Other Events & Items

How much does a rehearsal dinner cost in Chicago IL?
For a rehearsal dinner or other related events (like a welcome party), you should plan to budget around $885 - $1,081.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Events & Items
Other Events & Items Cost $1,346 - $1,645 3.4%
Lodging $461 - $563 1.1%
Rehearsal Dinner $885 - $1,081 2.2%

Photography & Video

What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL spend between $6,556 - $8,012 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 16.3% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL with 125 guests spend between $2,764 - $3,378 on wedding photography, which is about 6.9% of your total wedding cost.
How much should I budget for a wedding videographer?
The estimated cost to hire a wedding videographer in Chicago IL is $2,111 - $2,580. This makes up a portion of your (5.3%) allocation for capturing memories.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $6,556 - $8,012 16.3%
Digital or Photo cd/dvd $296 - $362 0.7%
Engagement Session $456 - $558 1.1%
Prints/Enlargements $331 - $405 0.8%
Wedding album/s or photo book/s $598 - $730 1.5%
Wedding Photographer $2,764 - $3,378 6.9%
Wedding Videographer $2,111 - $2,580 5.3%

0-Month Wedding Purchase Timeline

Event Location/Venue (all-inclusive)

Purchase/Book By:

18 days

Invitations

Purchase/Book By:

14 days

Wedding Rings/Bands (not Engagement Ring)

Purchase/Book By:

14 days

Wedding Dress

Purchase/Book By:

12 days

Photography & Video Services

Purchase/Book By:

12 days

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

Purchase/Book By:

11 days

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

Purchase/Book By:

11 days

Gifts & Favors

Purchase/Book By:

10 days

Bakery (Wedding Cake/dessert)

Purchase/Book By:

10 days

Attire Accessories

Purchase/Book By:

9 days

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

Purchase/Book By:

7 days

Suit or Tuxedo

Purchase/Book By:

7 days

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 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.

Other Wedding Cost Estimates for Chicago IL

Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 100 to 150 guests is between $40,156 and $49,080
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a winter wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a church or other place of worship. The type of wedding is Farm/Barn, Formal, Fun and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $40,156 and $49,080.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 150 to 200 guests is between $46,061 and $56,297
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 150 to 200 guests. The ceremony is at a church or other place of worship and reception is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Fun, Simple, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Reds. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $46,061 and $56,297.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 150 to 200 guests is between $44,218 and $54,044
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 150 to 200 guests. The wedding is at a church or other place of worship. The type of wedding is Elegant, Fun, Simple and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $44,218 and $54,044.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 150 to 200 guests is between $4,298 and $5,254
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a fall wedding in 2027 with 150 to 200 guests. The type of wedding is Elegant, Formal, Modern and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $4,298 and $5,254.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL with 100 to 150 guests is between $40,265 and $49,213
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a summer wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a banquet hall. The type of wedding is Formal, Intimate, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $40,265 and $49,213.