Wedding Cost Estimate for 2026 in Des Moines IA

Wedding Budget: $52,844 - $64,588
Lives in: Ankeny IA - Ankeny IA Wedding Statistics
Planning a wedding in: Des Moines IA
Season: Fall Wedding in 2026
How many guests: This estimate is based on having 250 guests with a range of 200 to 300 guests. Adding a single guest will likely add $211 - $258 to the total amount spent.
Type of wedding: Fun, Modern, Other
Wedding color theme: Other
Highest priorities:
  • Attire & Accessories (Wedding Dress, Suit, etc.)
  • Event Food Service, Catering, Bar Service
  • Event Location/Venue

Planning a wedding in Des Moines IA? You're in the right place. This is your personalized wedding budget estimate based on a guest count of 200 to 300 people and an average budget of $52,844 - $64,588. 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 Breakdown

What is the average cost of a wedding for 250 guests in Des Moines IA?
For a wedding with 250 guests in the Des Moines IA, the estimated total cost is around $52,844 - $64,588. This budget is a comprehensive estimate based on local averages for all vendor categories.
How much does a wedding cost per person in Des Moines IA?
On average, the cost per guest for a wedding in Des Moines IA is approximately $235. With a guest count of 250, this is a key factor in the total estimated budget of $52,844 - $64,588.
How does the cost of a wedding in Des Moines IA compare to the national average?
The average wedding cost in Des Moines IA is currently trending higher than the national average. The estimated budget of $52,844 - $64,588 reflects the specific spending by other couples in the local area.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress accessories in Ankeny IA?
In Ankeny IA, the average budget for wedding attire, including veil and accessories is estimated at $287 - $351. This represents about 0.5% 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 $309 - $377.
How much should I budget for a wedding dress in Ankeny IA?
In Ankeny IA, the average budget for wedding attire, including the dress and alterations is estimated at $1,693 - $2,069. This represents about 3.2% of your total wedding expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Attire & Accessories
Attire & Accessories Cost $2,422 - $2,960 4.6%
Dress Accessories $287 - $351 0.5%
Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories $133 - $163 0.3%
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase $309 - $377 0.6%
Wedding Dress $1,693 - $2,069 3.2%
What is the average price of a wedding cake in Des Moines IA?
The average cost for a wedding cake to serve 250 guests in Des Moines IA is $898 - $1,098. 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 Des Moines IA area and for this wedding, expect wedding cake pricing to be around $4 - $4 per slice.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Bakery
Bakery Cost $898 - $1,098 1.7%
Wedding Cake/dessert $898 - $1,098 1.7%
How much does professional wedding hair and makeup cost in Des Moines IA?
For the bride, the estimated cost for professional hair and makeup services in Des Moines IA is $253 - $309. This budget can also include trial runs and services for the bridal party. It makes up 0.5% of the total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Beauty & Spa
Beauty & Spa Cost $253 - $309 0.5%
Hair Service $107 - $131 0.2%
Makeup Service $89 - $109 0.2%
Manicure & Pedicure $57 - $69 0.1%
How much should your wedding entertainment budget be in Des Moines IA?
Your total entertainment budget is estimated at $1,580 - $1,931, which is 3.0% of your total.
What's the average price for a wedding DJ in Des Moines IA?
The average cost to hire a professional wedding DJ for your reception in the Des Moines IA area is $1,094 - $1,338.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Entertainment
Entertainment Cost $1,580 - $1,931 3.0%
DJ/MC $1,094 - $1,338 2.1%
Entertainment lighting $485 - $593 0.9%
How much does it cost to rent a wedding venue in Des Moines IA?
The cost for the ceremony and reception venue, including food, bar service, and rentals, is the largest expense. For a 250 guest wedding in Des Moines IA, you should budget approximately $25,718 - $31,434, which is about 48.7% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Event Venue
Event Venue Cost $25,718 - $31,434 48.7%
Wedding Venue Bar Service $4,859 - $5,939 9.2%
Wedding Venue Food Service $9,368 - $11,450 17.7%
Wedding Venue Location $8,032 - $9,816 15.2%
Wedding Venue Rentals $3,460 - $4,228 6.5%
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 $3,904 - $4,772. This accounts for roughly 7.4% of your total expenses.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Flowers & Decorations
Flowers & Decorations Cost $3,904 - $4,772 7.4%
Bouquets $534 - $652 1.0%
Boutonnieres, Corsages $242 - $296 0.5%
Wedding Venue Accessories $609 - $745 1.2%
Wedding Venue Decorations $669 - $817 1.3%
Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements $1,129 - $1,379 2.1%
Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces $722 - $882 1.4%
How much should we spend on wedding favors for 250 guests?
For wedding favors for 250 guests and thank-you gifts for the wedding party and parents, a typical budget in your area is $1,461 - $1,785.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Gifts & Favors
Gifts & Favors Cost $1,461 - $1,785 2.8%
Gift/s for Attendants $112 - $136 0.2%
Gift/s for Parents $150 - $184 0.3%
Tips (for all services) $788 - $963 1.5%
Wedding Favors $411 - $503 0.8%
How much do wedding invitations and stationery cost for 250 guests?
The estimated cost for your entire invitation suite (including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you cards) is $1,544 - $1,887. This is approximately 2.9% of your overall budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Invitations
Invitations Cost $1,544 - $1,887 2.9%
Ceremony Programs $259 - $317 0.5%
Guest Book $120 - $146 0.2%
Invitations & Reply Cards $383 - $469 0.7%
Postage $197 - $241 0.4%
Save the Date Cards $230 - $281 0.4%
Table Name and Escort/place Cards $174 - $212 0.3%
Thank You Cards $181 - $221 0.3%
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 $925 - $1,131, which is about 1.8% 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 $562 - $686, which is about 1.1% of your total wedding cost. This estimate does not include the engagement ring.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Jewelry
Jewelry Cost $5,712 - $6,982 10.8%
Earrings $207 - $253 0.4%
Engagement Ring $4,019 - $4,912 7.6%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 1 $925 - $1,131 1.8%
Wedding ring/band for Partner 2 $562 - $686 1.1%
What is the average fee for a wedding officiant in Des Moines IA?
The average fee for a professional wedding officiant in the Des Moines IA area is $248 - $304. This can vary depending on ceremony customization and travel.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Officiant
Officiant Cost $248 - $304 0.5%
Officiant $248 - $304 0.5%
How much does a rehearsal dinner cost in Des Moines IA?
For a rehearsal dinner or other related events (like a welcome party), you should plan to budget around $806 - $985.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Events
Other Events Cost $806 - $985 1.5%
Rehearsal Dinner $806 - $985 1.5%
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Other Items
Other Items Cost $397 - $485 0.8%
Hotel Room for After Reception $397 - $485 0.8%
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer and video services in Des Moines IA?
On average, couples in Des Moines IA spend between $2,842 - $3,474 on wedding photography and video services. Plan to spend approximately 5.4% of your overall budget.
What is the average cost for a wedding photographer in Des Moines IA?
On average, couples in Des Moines IA with 250 guests spend between $2,486 - $3,038 on wedding photography, which is about 4.7% of your total wedding cost.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Photography & Video
Photography & Video Cost $2,842 - $3,474 5.4%
Engagement Session $356 - $436 0.7%
Wedding Photographer $2,486 - $3,038 4.7%
How much does a Wedding Planner cost in Des Moines IA?
The cost for a Wedding Planner in Des Moines IA is estimated to be $3,511 - $4,291. This service accounts for 6.6% of your total budget.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Planner/Coordinator Cost $3,511 - $4,291 6.6%
Wedding Planner $3,511 - $4,291 6.6%
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 $1,549 - $1,893.
What is the detailed cost breakdown for Wedding Transportation
Transportation Cost $1,549 - $1,893 2.9%
Other Transportation $1,549 - $1,893 2.9%
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The average cost of a wedding in Des Moines 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 Des Moines IA

Average Wedding Cost Des Moines IA Wedding Cost Estimate: with 200 to 300 guests is between $55,714 and $68,094
What is the average wedding cost in Des Moines IA? Its a summer wedding in 2026 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 DIY, Garden, Traditional and the wedding color theme is Blues. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $55,714 and $68,094.
Average Wedding Cost Des Moines IA Wedding Cost Estimate: with 200 to 300 guests is between $48,214 and $58,928
What is the average wedding cost in Des Moines IA? Its a summer wedding in 2026 with 200 to 300 guests. The wedding is at a farm or barn. The type of wedding is Elegant, Farm/Barn, Modern and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $48,214 and $58,928.
Average Wedding Cost Des Moines IA Wedding Cost Estimate: with 100 to 150 guests is between $31,586 and $38,605
What is the average wedding cost in Des Moines IA? Its a fall wedding in 2026 with 100 to 150 guests. The wedding is at some other location. The type of wedding is Formal, Modern, Other and the wedding color theme is Reds. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $31,586 and $38,605.
Average Wedding Cost Des Moines IA Wedding Cost Estimate: with 200 to 300 guests is between $52,844 and $64,588
What is the average wedding cost in Des Moines IA? Its a fall wedding in 2026 with 200 to 300 guests. The type of wedding is Fun, Modern, Other and the wedding color theme is Other. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $52,844 and $64,588.
Average wedding cost in Des Moines IA with 50 to 100 guests is between $22,921 and $28,015
What is the average wedding cost in Des Moines IA? Its a fall wedding with 50 to 100 guests. The wedding is at a garden or park. The type of wedding is Farm/Barn, Intimate, Romantic and the wedding color theme is Greens. The estimated cost for this type of wedding is typically between $22,921 and $28,015.
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