Getting married in the windy city is a dream for many couples. However, planning a full-blown wedding event in Chicago is an overwhelming task that is both exciting and daunting at the same time. From choosing the perfect venue to hiring the best photographer to deciding on the décor and catering, there is an array of vendors to pay, and the costs can quickly add up. This is why understanding the realistic budget for a wedding in Chicago is necessary; it can help you plan and enjoy your big day without breaking the bank.
Here we look into the detailed aspects of organizing a wedding in Chicago, including what you can expect to spend on and how to manage your budget effectively. An efficient wedding planner in Chicago can offer more hands-on assistance in this regard, and help you navigate the process of budgeting easily.
The average wedding cost in Chicago
According to the Real Weddings Study by Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the windy city was estimated to be around $56000 in 2023 including the ceremony and reception. The cost of the rings would be extra. Compared to weddings in the rest of the country, this number emerges as one of the highest; it is 60% above the national average, implying that Chicago is one of the costliest cities to get married in America. That being said, despite the high costs, the windy city is one of the most popular choices for couples as the expenses are considered worth every penny.
The general notion is that while wedding resources come at a high price point in Chicago, the quality more than justifies the same. Every vendor starting from the venue to the photographer to the caterer can be tailored to fit the unique needs of every couple, making them all a worthwhile spend.
Cost allocation of a Chicago wedding
Here is a detailed allocation of potential costs that constitute the total budget of a wedding in Chicago. These are the expenses that you can expect to incur when hiring vendors to execute your event. Partnering with an experienced wedding planner in Chicago can help you better manage these expenses while also keeping surprises and detours to a minimum, as they are trained in optimizing a budget. They can help you identify hidden costs and provide guidance on where to spend and how to maximize savings.
Venue costs
The venue accounts for a significant expense in the wedding budget. Chicago wedding venues cost differently depending on the location, style, and size of the space.
Luxury wedding venues – High-end wedding venues such as a historic estate, an upscale hotel, or a downtown loft can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 or more. However, they often come with additional amenities like in-house catering, and décor services.
Mid-range venues – Smaller hotels, community centers, or art galleries may be more budget-friendly options within the city. There are hundreds of stunning spaces in Chicago in this category ranging between $5000 and $10,000.
Budget venues – Couples with tighter budgets also opt for private parks, gardens, or homes as well, which can be more affordable; the cost can be anywhere between $2000 and $5000.
Photography and videography costs
Wedding photography and videography investments are essentially investments in memories; they will serve to be the most heartwarming reminders of the wonderful experience you had.
Depending on the hours of coverage you choose, the experience and style of the service provider, and the additional services you need, the cost of a wedding photographer and videography will vary. While top-tier photographers in the windy city charge between $5000 and $15000 for full-day coverage, more affordable professionals are available for $2500 to $6000 for 8 hours of coverage. An efficient wedding planner in Chicago can provide you with tailored options of photography and videography vendors to choose from.
Catering costs
Catering constitutes a fair share of your wedding budget; there is a plethora of multi-cuisine wedding caterers in Chicago. Comprehensive wedding planning companies also provide in-house catering services as part of complete packages.
As is the case with all vendors, catering charges also vary with the level of experience, resources, and options that a service provider comes with. Premium caterers who can offer gourmet food experiences including multiple-course meals and luxurious drinks can charge between $100 and $250 per guest. On the other hand, budget-friendly caterers who offer family-style standard meals, BBQ, etc. often charge $30 to $70 per guest.
Decorations
Decorations, florals, and other design details set the tone for your entire wedding. Once again, depending on the amount of décor and resources required, the prices can vary. For luxury décor, custom lighting, and other extravagant details you can expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000. More budget-friendly, modest décor service providers charge anywhere between $2000. Your wedding planner in Chicago will be able to find you a good deal in this regard.
Other costs to consider
A few other potential factors to consider when creating your wedding budget.
Invitations and stationery – Invitation cards, save-the-dates, and other wedding stationery can cost between $500 and $2000.
Transportation – Vehicle rentals that you take to bring your guests, limos, party buses, or vintage cars for photos are all part of transportation costs. Expect to spend between $500 and $2500 for the same.
Favors and gifts – It is customary for the couple to offer gifts and wedding favors to guests and the bridal party. Set aside $300 to $1000 for this segment of expenses.
Wedding planner – Hiring a wedding planner in Chicago will cost anywhere between $2000 and $12000 depending on the level of service. Choose holistic and hands-on wedding planners to make the most of your investment.
Tipping – Tipping vendors is another important expense to consider when budgeting. Set aside $1000 to $1200 to tip all your vendors.
Total budget estimate
Taking into account the categories of expenses mentioned above, the total cost of a wedding in Chicago can range between $25000 and $100,000, sometimes above. To put things into perspective, a realistic average budget for a mid-range wedding in the windy city would be around $35000 to $70000.
Tips to manage your budget
To be able to better manage your budget, while ensuring that you don’t compromise on the things that matter the most to you, it is always wise to determine your priorities first. This will help you gain direction for your spending. Your wedding planner in Chicago will help you immensely in this regard.
Additionally,
- Start your research early on in the planning process and take sufficient time to compare vendors and their services to find the best value for your money.
- DIY smaller details wherever possible without adversely impacting the overall look and feel of your wedding, as it would also help bring about your personal touch, in addition to cutting costs.
- Consider using a classic spreadsheet or a tracker application to monitor your wedding spends, so that you don’t overshoot your budget at any time.
- Lastly, maintain flexibility and be open to ideas. For example, you can consider getting married during off-peak season to avail of better vendor prices.
Wrapping up
Planning a wedding in Chicago undoubtedly requires careful thought and purpose-driven budgeting. By understanding the variables of a realistic wedding budget and the different vendor prices to expect, you will be able to manage your budget more efficiently and have the wedding of your dreams without burning a hole in your pocket. Use this detailed guide to a realistic budget, partner with an efficient wedding planner in Chicago, and plan well ahead to get the best results.
Remember; the ultimate goal is to have a wonderful experience with your friends and loved ones while celebrating your love and commitment to one another, no matter how much you spend.
For customized wedding planning and hands-on holistic wedding services, contact ForUrEvents.
