For a wedding with 250 guests in the Ames IA, the estimated total cost is around $51,490 - $62,932. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for all vendor categories.
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Ames IA is approximately $229. With a guest count of 250, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $51,490 - $62,932.
The average wedding cost in Ames IA is currently trending higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $51,490 - $62,932 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
In West Des Moines IA, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $302 - $369. This represents about 0.6% of your total wedding expenses.
The estimated cost for the groom's attire and any rentals for the wedding party is $325 - $397.
In West Des Moines IA, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $1,801 - $2,201. This represents about 3.5% of your total wedding expenses.
| Attire & Accessories Cost |
$2,564 - $3,134 |
5.0% |
|
Dress Accessories
|
$302 - $369 |
0.6% |
|
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories
|
$137 - $167 |
0.3% |
|
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase
|
$325 - $397 |
0.6% |
|
Wedding Dress
|
$1,801 - $2,201 |
3.5% |
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 250 guests in Ames IA is $935 - $1,143. This price can vary based on the complexity of the design and flavors.
In the Ames IA area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $4 - $5 per slice.
| Bakery Cost |
$935 - $1,143 |
1.8% |
|
Wedding Cake/dessert
|
$935 - $1,143 |
1.8% |
For the bride, the estimated cost for professional hair and makeup services in Ames IA is $150 - $184. This budget can also include trial runs and services for the bridal party. It makes up 0.3% of the total budget.
| Beauty & Spa Cost |
$150 - $184 |
0.3% |
|
Hair Service
|
$98 - $120 |
0.2% |
|
Manicure & Pedicure
|
$52 - $64 |
0.1% |
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,070 - $1,308, which is 2.1% of your total.
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Ames IA area is $1,070 - $1,308.
| Entertainment Cost |
$1,070 - $1,308 |
2.1% |
|
DJ/MC
|
$1,070 - $1,308 |
2.1% |
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 250 guest wedding in Ames IA, you should budget approximately $27,613 - $33,749, which is about 53.6% of your total budget.
| Event Venue Cost |
$27,613 - $33,749 |
53.6% |
|
Wedding Venue Bar Service
|
$5,302 - $6,480 |
10.3% |
|
Wedding Venue Food Service
|
$10,296 - $12,584 |
20.0% |
|
Wedding Venue Location
|
$8,277 - $10,117 |
16.1% |
|
Wedding Venue Rentals
|
$3,738 - $4,568 |
7.3% |
The estimated budget for all wedding floral arrangements (including bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces) and decorations is $3,831 - $4,683. This accounts for roughly 7.4% of your total expenses.
| Flowers & Decorations Cost |
$3,831 - $4,683 |
7.4% |
|
Bouquets
|
$458 - $560 |
0.9% |
|
Boutonnieres, Corsages
|
$204 - $250 |
0.4% |
|
Wedding Venue Accessories
|
$619 - $757 |
1.2% |
|
Wedding Venue Decorations
|
$615 - $751 |
1.2% |
|
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements
|
$1,181 - $1,443 |
2.3% |
|
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces
|
$754 - $922 |
1.5% |
For wedding favors for 250 guests and thank-you gifts for the wedding party and parents, a typical budget in your area is $1,103 - $1,349.
| Gifts & Favors Cost |
$1,103 - $1,349 |
2.1% |
|
Gift/s for Attendants
|
$105 - $129 |
0.2% |
|
Gift/s for Parents
|
$143 - $175 |
0.3% |
|
Tips (for all services)
|
$855 - $1,045 |
1.7% |
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $1,495 - $1,827. This is approximately 2.9% of your overall budget.
| Invitations Cost |
$1,495 - $1,827 |
2.9% |
|
Ceremony Programs
|
$250 - $306 |
0.5% |
|
Guest Book
|
$115 - $141 |
0.2% |
|
Invitations & Reply Cards
|
$382 - $466 |
0.7% |
|
Postage
|
$181 - $221 |
0.4% |
|
Save the Date Cards
|
$223 - $273 |
0.4% |
|
Table Name and Escort/place Cards
|
$168 - $206 |
0.3% |
|
Thank You Cards
|
$176 - $215 |
0.3% |
The budget for the couple's wedding bands (Wedding ring/band for Partner 1) is estimated at $1,031 - $1,261, which is about 2.0% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
The budget for the couple's wedding bands (Wedding ring/band for Partner 2) is estimated at $622 - $760, which is about 1.2% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
| Jewelry Cost |
$6,163 - $7,533 |
12.0% |
|
Engagement Ring
|
$4,510 - $5,512 |
8.8% |
|
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1
|
$1,031 - $1,261 |
2.0% |
|
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2
|
$622 - $760 |
1.2% |
The average fee for a professional wedding officiant in the Ames IA area is $230 - $282. This can vary depending on ceremony customization and travel.
| Officiant Cost |
$230 - $282 |
0.4% |
|
Officiant
|
$230 - $282 |
0.4% |
For a rehearsal dinner or other related events (like a welcome party), you should plan to budget around $777 - $949.
| Other Events Cost |
$777 - $949 |
1.5% |
|
Rehearsal Dinner
|
$777 - $949 |
1.5% |
| Other Items Cost |
$368 - $450 |
0.7% |
|
Hotel Room for After Reception
|
$368 - $450 |
0.7% |
On average, couples in Ames IA spend between $4,720 - $5,768 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 9.2% of your overall budget.
On average, couples in Ames IA with 250 guests spend between $2,471 - $3,021 on wedding photography, which is about 4.8% of your total wedding cost.
The estimated cost to hire a wedding videographer in Ames IA is $1,895 - $2,317. This makes up a portion of your (3.7%) allocation for capturing memories.
| Photography & Video Cost |
$4,720 - $5,768 |
9.2% |
|
Engagement Session
|
$353 - $431 |
0.7% |
|
Wedding Photographer
|
$2,471 - $3,021 |
4.8% |
|
Wedding Videographer
|
$1,895 - $2,317 |
3.7% |
For transportation on your wedding day for the couple and/or guests, the estimated budget is $470 - $574.
| Transportation Cost |
$470 - $574 |
0.9% |
|
Limo Rental
|
$470 - $574 |
0.9% |