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 25 to 50 people and an average wedding cost of $22,323 - $27,283. 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: $22,323 - $27,283
Lives in: Chicago IL - Chicago IL Wedding Statistics
Planning a wedding in: Chicago IL
Season: Summer Wedding in 2026
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 $587 - $718 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony and reception will be at the same location
Wedding Location: some other location
Type of wedding: Casual, Intimate, Vintage
Wedding color theme: Blues
Highest priorities:
  • Attire & Accessories (Wedding Dress, Suit, etc.)
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Photography & Video

Wedding Cost Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 38 guests in Chicago IL?
For a wedding with 38 guests in the Chicago IL, the estimated total cost is around $22,323 - $27,283. 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 $653. With a guest count of 38, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $22,323 - $27,283.
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 $22,323 - $27,283 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
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 $269 - $329. This represents about 1.2% of your total wedding expenses.
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 $1,591 - $1,945. This represents about 7.1% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $1,985 - $2,427 8.9%
Dress Accessories $269 - $329 1.2%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $125 - $153 0.6%
Wedding Dress $1,591 - $1,945 7.1%
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 $235 - $287. This budget can also include trial runs and services for the bridal party. It makes up 1.1% of the total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Beauty & Spa
Beauty & Spa Cost $235 - $287 1.1%
Hair Service $97 - $119 0.4%
Makeup Service $81 - $99 0.4%
Manicure & Pedicure $57 - $69 0.3%
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 38 guest wedding in Chicago IL, you should budget approximately $5,018 - $6,134, which is about 22.5% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $5,018 - $6,134 22.5%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $565 - $691 2.5%
Wedding Venue Food Service $1,090 - $1,332 4.9%
Wedding Venue Location $2,961 - $3,619 13.3%
Wedding Venue Rentals $402 - $492 1.8%
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 $1,617 - $1,977. This accounts for roughly 7.2% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $1,617 - $1,977 7.2%
Bouquets $499 - $609 2.2%
Boutonnieres, Corsages $226 - $276 1.0%
Wedding Venue Decorations $666 - $814 3.0%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $139 - $169 0.6%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $88 - $108 0.4%
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 $142 - $174.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $142 - $174 0.6%
Tips (for all services) $92 - $112 0.4%
Wedding Favors $50 - $62 0.2%
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 $185 - $226. This is approximately 0.8% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $185 - $226 0.8%
Ceremony Programs $32 - $39 0.1%
Guest Book $14 - $18 0.1%
Invitations & Reply Cards $47 - $57 0.2%
Postage $20 - $24 0.1%
Save the Date Cards $28 - $34 0.1%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $22 - $26 0.1%
Thank You Cards $23 - $28 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 $866 - $1,058, which is about 3.9% 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 $526 - $642, 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 $5,149 - $6,293 23.1%
Engagement Ring $3,758 - $4,593 16.8%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1 $866 - $1,058 3.9%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $526 - $642 2.4%
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 $798 - $976.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Events
Other Events Cost $798 - $976 3.6%
Rehearsal Dinner $798 - $976 3.6%
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Items
Other Items Cost $401 - $491 1.8%
Hotel Room for After Reception $401 - $491 1.8%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL spend between $6,641 - $8,117 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 29.8% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Chicago IL?
On average, couples in Chicago IL with 38 guests spend between $3,110 - $3,801 on wedding photography, which is about 13.9% 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 $2,363 - $2,888. This makes up a portion of your (10.6%) allocation for capturing memories.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $6,641 - $8,117 29.8%
Prints and/or Enlargements $311 - $380 1.4%
Wedding album/s or photo book/s $859 - $1,049 3.8%
Wedding Photographer $3,110 - $3,801 13.9%
Wedding Videographer $2,363 - $2,888 10.6%
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 $150 - $184.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Transportation
Transportation Cost $150 - $184 0.7%
Other Transportation $150 - $184 0.7%

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 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.
Average Wedding Cost Chicago IL Wedding Cost Estimate: with 50 to 100 guests is between $28,070 and $34,308
What is the average wedding cost in Chicago IL? Its a spring wedding in 2026 with 50 to 100 guests. The wedding is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Intimate, Romantic, Unique and the wedding color theme is Ivory. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $28,070 and $34,308.