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 $24,353 - $29,765. 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.

Wedding Cost Summary

Wedding Budget: $24,353 - $29,765
Lives in: Chicago IL - Chicago IL Wedding Statistics
Planning a wedding in: Chicago IL
Season: Fall 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 $195 - $238 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: a resort or hotel
Type of wedding: Simple
Wedding color theme: Other
Highest priorities:
  • Entertainment (DJ, Live Band, Musician/s, etc.)
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue

Hey, Quick Question

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 $24,353 - $29,765. 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 $216. With a guest count of 125, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $24,353 - $29,765.
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 lower than the national average. The estimated budget of $24,353 - $29,765 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
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 $439 - $537. 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 $439 - $537 1.8%
Wedding Cake/dessert $439 - $537 1.8%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Chicago IL?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,259 - $1,539, which is 5.2% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Chicago IL?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Chicago IL area is $1,259 - $1,539.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $1,259 - $1,539 5.2%
DJ/MC $1,259 - $1,539 5.2%
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 $18,122 - $22,150, which is about 74.4% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $18,122 - $22,150 74.4%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $2,360 - $2,884 9.7%
Wedding Venue Food Service $4,549 - $5,559 18.7%
Wedding Venue Location $9,535 - $11,653 39.2%
Wedding Venue Rentals $1,679 - $2,053 6.9%
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 $484 - $592. This accounts for roughly 2.0% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $484 - $592 2.0%
Bouquets $484 - $592 2.0%
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 $383 - $468.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $383 - $468 1.6%
Tips (for all services) $383 - $468 1.6%
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 $554 - $677. This is approximately 2.3% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $554 - $677 2.3%
Invitations & Reply Cards $189 - $231 0.8%
Postage $76 - $92 0.3%
Save the Date Cards $113 - $139 0.5%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $86 - $106 0.4%
Thank You Cards $89 - $109 0.4%
What is the average fee for a wedding officiant in Chicago IL?
The average fee for a professional wedding officiant in the Chicago IL area is $251 - $307. This can vary depending on ceremony customization and travel.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Officiant
Officiant Cost $251 - $307 1.0%
Officiant $251 - $307 1.0%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL spend between $2,861 - $3,497 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 11.7% 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 $2,861 - $3,497 on wedding photography, which is about 11.7% of your total wedding cost.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $2,861 - $3,497 11.7%
Wedding Photographer $2,861 - $3,497 11.7%

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 Wedding Cost Estimate: with 200 to 300 guests is between $42,735 and $52,231
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2028 with 200 to 300 guests. The type of wedding is Formal, Fun, Modern and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $42,735 and $52,231.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 25 to 50 guests is between $12,170 and $14,874
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a fall wedding in 2026 with 25 to 50 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is DIY, Elegant, Fun and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $12,170 and $14,874.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 100 to 150 guests is between $40,832 and $49,906
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Experience, Fun, Garden and the wedding color theme is Purples. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $40,832 and $49,906.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 150 to 200 guests is between $53,758 and $65,704
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a summer wedding in 2026 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 Modern, Romantic, Unique and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $53,758 and $65,704.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 50 to 100 guests is between $17,665 and $21,591
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a fall wedding in 2027 with 50 to 100 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is DIY, Fun, Modern and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $17,665 and $21,591.