Your Personalized Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Ames IA

Based on your selections, here is a detailed cost estimate for a wedding in Ames IA with 150 to 200 guests. This budget of $38,682 - $47,278 is a starting point to help you plan and allocate funds for your big day. Use the categories below to guide your vendor search and financial planning.

Overall Budget Summary: $38,682 - $47,278
Lives in: Cedar Falls IA - Cedar Falls IA Wedding Statistics
Planning a wedding in: Ames IA
Season: Spring Wedding in 2026
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 175 guests with a range of 150 to 200 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $221 - $270 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony and reception will be at the same location
Wedding Location: some other location
Type of wedding: Experience, Fun, Modern
Wedding color theme: Blues
Highest priorities:
  • Entertainment (DJ, Live Band, Musician/s, etc.)
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Photography & Video

Itemized Cost Breakdown

Category > Item Estimated Cost % of Total
Attire & Accessories Cost $1,868 - $2,283 4.8%
Dress Accessories $220 - $268 0.6%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $98 - $120 0.3%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $233 - $285 0.6%
Wedding Dress $1,317 - $1,609 3.4%
Bakery Cost $636 - $778 1.6%
Wedding Cake/dessert $636 - $778 1.6%
Beauty & Spa Cost $221 - $270 0.6%
Hair Service $92 - $112 0.2%
Makeup Service $77 - $94 0.2%
Manicure & Pedicure $52 - $64 0.1%
Entertainment Cost $1,411 - $1,725 3.6%
DJ/MC $982 - $1,200 2.5%
Entertainment lighting $429 - $525 1.1%
Event Venue Cost $19,191 - $23,455 49.6%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $3,443 - $4,209 8.9%
Wedding Venue Food Service $6,701 - $8,191 17.3%
Wedding Venue Location $6,615 - $8,085 17.1%
Wedding Venue Rentals $2,431 - $2,971 6.3%
Flowers & Decorations Cost $2,936 - $3,588 7.6%
Bouquets $448 - $548 1.2%
Boutonnieres, Corsages $199 - $243 0.5%
Wedding Venue Accessories $416 - $508 1.1%
Wedding Venue Decorations $574 - $702 1.5%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $796 - $972 2.1%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $503 - $615 1.3%
Gifts & Favors Cost $1,033 - $1,263 2.7%
Gift/s for Attendants $94 - $114 0.2%
Gift/s for Parents $119 - $145 0.3%
Tips (for all services) $557 - $681 1.4%
Wedding Favors $264 - $322 0.7%
Invitations Cost $921 - $1,125 2.4%
Ceremony Programs $149 - $182 0.4%
Guest Book $69 - $85 0.2%
Invitations & Reply Cards $245 - $299 0.6%
Postage $121 - $147 0.3%
Save the Date Cards $131 - $161 0.3%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $100 - $122 0.3%
Thank You Cards $106 - $130 0.3%
Jewelry Cost $4,577 - $5,594 11.8%
Engagement Ring $3,359 - $4,105 8.7%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1 $763 - $933 2.0%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $455 - $556 1.2%
Officiant Cost $233 - $285 0.6%
Officiant $233 - $285 0.6%
Other Events Cost $736 - $900 1.9%
Rehearsal Dinner $736 - $900 1.9%
Other Items Cost $374 - $458 1.0%
Hotel Room for After Reception $374 - $458 1.0%
Photography & Video Cost $2,971 - $3,631 7.7%
Engagement Session $331 - $405 0.9%
Wedding Photographer $2,640 - $3,226 6.8%
Planner/Coordinator Cost $1,575 - $1,925 4.1%
Wedding Coordinator $1,575 - $1,925 4.1%
Estimated Total Cost: $38,682 - $47,278 100%

The average cost of a wedding in Ames IA 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 Ames IA

Average wedding cost in Ames IA with 200 to 300 guests is between $42,600 and $52,066
What is the average wedding cost in Ames IA? Its a summer wedding with 200 to 300 guests. The type of wedding is Farm/Barn, Simple, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Pinks. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $42,600 and $52,066.
Average wedding cost in Ames IA with 100 to 150 guests is between $30,827 and $37,677
What is the average wedding cost in Ames IA? Its a spring wedding with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is DIY, Simple, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $30,827 and $37,677.
Average wedding cost in Ames IA with 200 to 300 guests is between $51,490 and $62,932
What is the average wedding cost in Ames IA? Its a summer wedding with 200 to 300 guests. The ceremony is at a church or other place of worship and reception is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Elegant, Modern, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $51,490 and $62,932.
Average wedding cost in Ames IA with 100 to 150 guests is between $32,009 and $39,123
What is the average wedding cost in Ames IA? Its a fall wedding with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is DIY, Experience, Simple and the wedding color theme is Black. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $32,009 and $39,123.
Average wedding cost in Ames IA with 150 to 200 guests is between $38,682 and $47,278
What is the average wedding cost in Ames IA? Its a spring wedding with 150 to 200 guests. The wedding is at some other location. The type of wedding is Experience, Fun, Modern and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $38,682 and $47,278.