Wedding Cost Estimate for 2025 in Washington DC

Planning a wedding in Washington DC? You're in the right place. This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 25 to 50 people and an average wedding cost of $18,214 - $22,262. 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: $18,214 - $22,262
Lives in: Alexandria VA - Alexandria VA Wedding Statistics
Planning a wedding in: Washington DC
Season: Summer Wedding in 2025
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 38 guests with a range of 25 to 50 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $479 - $586 to the total amount spent.
Type of wedding: Elegant, Fun, Intimate
Wedding color theme: White
Highest priorities:
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue
  • Flowers & Decorations

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 38 guests in Washington DC?
For a wedding with 38 guests in the Washington DC, the estimated total cost is around $18,214 - $22,262. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Washington DC?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Washington DC is approximately $533. With a guest count of 38, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $18,214 - $22,262.
How does the cost of a wedding in Washington DC compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Washington DC is currently trending lower than the national average. The estimated budget of $18,214 - $22,262 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
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 $326 - $398.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $465 - $569 2.6%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $140 - $171 0.8%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $326 - $398 1.8%
What is the average price of a wedding cake in Washington DC?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 38 guests in Washington DC is $124 - $152. 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 Washington DC area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $3 - $4 per slice.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Bakery Cost $124 - $152 0.7%
Wedding Cake/dessert $124 - $152 0.7%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Washington DC?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $2,071 - $2,531, which is 11.4% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Washington DC?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Washington DC area is $1,435 - $1,753.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $2,071 - $2,531 11.4%
DJ/MC $1,435 - $1,753 7.9%
Entertainment lighting $636 - $778 3.5%
How much does it cost to rent a wedding venue in Washington DC?
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 38 guest wedding in Washington DC, you should budget approximately $5,357 - $6,547, which is about 29.4% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $5,357 - $6,547 29.4%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $584 - $714 3.2%
Wedding Venue Food Service $1,125 - $1,375 6.2%
Wedding Venue Location $3,232 - $3,950 17.7%
Wedding Venue Rentals $416 - $508 2.3%
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 $2,438 - $2,980. This accounts for roughly 13.4% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $2,438 - $2,980 13.4%
Bouquets $809 - $989 4.4%
Wedding Venue Accessories $86 - $105 0.5%
Wedding Venue Decorations $1,229 - $1,503 6.7%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $192 - $234 1.1%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $122 - $150 0.7%
How much should we spend on wedding favors for 38 guests?
For wedding favors for 38 guests and thank-you gifts for the wedding party and parents, a typical budget in your area is $427 - $521.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $427 - $521 2.3%
Gift/s for Attendants $117 - $143 0.6%
Gift/s for Parents $158 - $193 0.9%
Tips (for all services) $95 - $116 0.5%
Wedding Favors $58 - $70 0.3%
How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 38 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $211 - $257. This is approximately 1.2% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $211 - $257 1.2%
Ceremony Programs $36 - $44 0.2%
Guest Book $17 - $21 0.1%
Invitations & Reply Cards $54 - $66 0.3%
Postage $22 - $26 0.1%
Save the Date Cards $32 - $40 0.2%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $24 - $30 0.1%
Thank You Cards $25 - $31 0.1%
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 $935 - $1,143, which is about 5.1% 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 $568 - $694, which is about 3.1% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Jewelry Cost $1,503 - $1,837 8.3%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1 $935 - $1,143 5.1%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $568 - $694 3.1%
What is the average fee for a wedding officiant in Washington DC?
The average fee for a professional wedding officiant in the Washington DC area is $301 - $367. This can vary depending on ceremony customization and travel.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Officiant
Officiant Cost $301 - $367 1.7%
Officiant $301 - $367 1.7%
How much does a rehearsal dinner cost in Washington DC?
For a rehearsal dinner or other related events (like a welcome party), you should plan to budget around $1,057 - $1,291.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Events
Other Events Cost $1,057 - $1,291 5.8%
Rehearsal Dinner $1,057 - $1,291 5.8%
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Items
Other Items Cost $479 - $585 2.6%
Hotel Room for After Reception $479 - $585 2.6%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Washington DC?
On average, couples in Washington DC spend between $3,635 - $4,443 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 20.0% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Washington DC?
On average, couples in Washington DC with 38 guests spend between $3,262 - $3,986 on wedding photography, which is about 17.9% of your total wedding cost.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $3,635 - $4,443 20.0%
Engagement Session $374 - $457 2.1%
Wedding Photographer $3,262 - $3,986 17.9%
What is the cost of wedding transportation like a limo or shuttle bus?
For transportation on your wedding day for the couple and/or guests, the estimated budget is $148 - $180.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Transportation
Transportation Cost $148 - $180 0.8%
Other Transportation $148 - $180 0.8%

The average cost of a wedding in Washington DC 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 Washington DC

Average Wedding Cost Washington DC Wedding Cost Estimate: with 150 to 200 guests is between $39,935 and $48,809
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a fall wedding in 2027 with 150 to 200 guests. The type of wedding is Garden, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Browns. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $39,935 and $48,809.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC Wedding Cost Estimate: with 150 to 200 guests is between $50,293 and $61,469
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a winter wedding in 2026 with 150 to 200 guests. The wedding is at a farm or barn. The type of wedding is Farm/Barn, Fun, Rustic and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $50,293 and $61,469.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC Wedding Cost Estimate: with 200 to 300 guests is between $64,339 and $78,637
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 200 to 300 guests. The ceremony is at a church or other place of worship and reception is at a banquet hall. 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 $64,339 and $78,637.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC Wedding Cost Estimate: with 150 to 200 guests is between $61,577 and $75,261
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a winter wedding in 2027 with 150 to 200 guests. The wedding is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Fun, Intimate and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $61,577 and $75,261.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC Wedding Cost Estimate: with 100 to 150 guests is between $48,743 and $59,575
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a spring wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The type of wedding is Elegant, Garden, Modern and the wedding color theme is Champagne. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $48,743 and $59,575.