Wedding Cost Estimate for 2028 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 $47,623 - $58,205. 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: $47,623 - $58,205
Lives in: Washington DC
Planning a wedding in: Washington DC
Season: Fall Wedding in 2028
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 $1,253 - $1,532 to the total amount spent.
The ceremony and reception will be at the same location
Wedding Location: a historical building
Type of wedding: Elegant, Formal, Romantic
Wedding color theme: Greens
Highest priorities:
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue
  • Photography & Video

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 $47,623 - $58,205. 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 $1,392. With a guest count of 38, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $47,623 - $58,205.
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 higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $47,623 - $58,205 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress accessories in Washington DC?
In Washington DC, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $512 - $626. This represents about 1.1% of your total wedding expenses.
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 $529 - $647.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Washington DC?
In Washington DC, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $2,909 - $3,555. This represents about 6.1% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $4,190 - $5,121 8.8%
Dress Accessories $512 - $626 1.1%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $239 - $293 0.5%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $529 - $647 1.1%
Wedding Dress $2,909 - $3,555 6.1%
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 $154 - $188. 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 $4 - $5 per slice.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Bakery Cost $154 - $188 0.3%
Wedding Cake/dessert $154 - $188 0.3%
How much does professional wedding hair and makeup cost in Washington DC?
For the bride, the estimated cost for professional hair and makeup services in Washington DC is $380 - $464. This budget can also include trial runs and services for the bridal party. It makes up 0.8% of the total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Beauty & Spa
Beauty & Spa Cost $380 - $464 0.8%
Hair Service $167 - $204 0.3%
Makeup Service $141 - $173 0.3%
Manicure & Pedicure $72 - $88 0.2%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Washington DC?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $2,888 - $3,530, which is 6.1% 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 $1,996 - $2,440.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $2,888 - $3,530 6.1%
DJ/MC $1,996 - $2,440 4.2%
Entertainment lighting $892 - $1,090 1.9%
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 $7,715 - $9,429, which is about 16.2% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $7,715 - $9,429 16.2%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $851 - $1,041 1.8%
Wedding Venue Food Service $1,628 - $1,990 3.4%
Wedding Venue Location $4,647 - $5,679 9.8%
Wedding Venue Rentals $589 - $719 1.2%
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 $2,919 - $3,567. This accounts for roughly 6.1% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $2,919 - $3,567 6.1%
Bouquets $792 - $968 1.7%
Boutonnieres, Corsages $363 - $443 0.8%
Wedding Venue Accessories $125 - $153 0.3%
Wedding Venue Decorations $1,285 - $1,571 2.7%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $214 - $262 0.4%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $140 - $171 0.3%
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 $599 - $732.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $599 - $732 1.3%
Gift/s for Attendants $161 - $197 0.3%
Gift/s for Parents $222 - $272 0.5%
Tips (for all services) $140 - $171 0.3%
Wedding Favors $76 - $92 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 $267 - $327. This is approximately 0.6% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $267 - $327 0.6%
Ceremony Programs $46 - $56 0.1%
Guest Book $22 - $26 0.0%
Invitations & Reply Cards $72 - $88 0.2%
Postage $23 - $29 0.0%
Save the Date Cards $41 - $50 0.1%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $32 - $39 0.1%
Thank You Cards $32 - $40 0.1%
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Jewelry Cost $8,459 - $10,339 17.8%
Bracelet $377 - $461 0.8%
Earrings $376 - $460 0.8%
Engagement Ring $7,228 - $8,834 15.2%
Necklace $478 - $584 1.0%
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 $311 - $381. This can vary depending on ceremony customization and travel.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Officiant
Officiant Cost $311 - $381 0.7%
Officiant $311 - $381 0.7%
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 $1,478 - $1,806.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Events
Other Events Cost $1,478 - $1,806 3.1%
Rehearsal Dinner $1,478 - $1,806 3.1%
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Items
Other Items Cost $493 - $603 1.0%
Hotel Room for After Reception $493 - $603 1.0%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Washington DC?
On average, couples in Washington DC spend between $11,275 - $13,781 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 23.7% 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 $5,720 - $6,991 on wedding photography, which is about 12.0% of your total wedding cost.
How much should I budget for a wedding videographer?
The estimated cost to hire a wedding videographer in Washington DC is $4,368 - $5,338. This makes up a portion of your (9.2%) allocation for capturing memories.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $11,275 - $13,781 23.7%
Engagement Session $473 - $579 1.0%
Wedding album/s or photo book/s $715 - $873 1.5%
Wedding Photographer $5,720 - $6,991 12.0%
Wedding Videographer $4,368 - $5,338 9.2%
How much does a Wedding Planner cost in Washington DC?
The cost for a Wedding Planner in Washington DC is estimated to be $6,495 - $7,939. This service accounts for 13.6% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Planner/Coordinator Cost $6,495 - $7,939 13.6%
Wedding Planner $6,495 - $7,939 13.6%

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 with 100 to 150 guests is between $45,774 and $55,946
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a summer wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Romantic, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Reds. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $45,774 and $55,946.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC with 100 to 150 guests is between $49,315 and $60,273
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at an event facility. The type of wedding is Elegant, Modern, Rustic and the wedding color theme is Other. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $49,315 and $60,273.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC with 100 to 150 guests is between $52,758 and $64,482
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 100 to 150 guests. The ceremony is at some other location and reception is at some other location. The type of wedding is Elegant, Modern, Rustic and the wedding color theme is Champagne. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $52,758 and $64,482.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC with 25 to 50 guests is between $47,623 and $58,205
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a fall wedding in 2028 with 25 to 50 guests. The wedding is at a historical building. The type of wedding is Elegant, Formal, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $47,623 and $58,205.
Average Wedding Cost Washington DC with 150 to 200 guests is between $70,728 and $86,446
What is the average wedding cost in Washington DC? Its a spring wedding in 2027 with 150 to 200 guests. The ceremony is at a church or other place of worship and reception is at a banquet hall. The type of wedding is Fun, Romantic, Traditional and the wedding color theme is White. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $70,728 and $86,446.