Cost of Weddings in Chicago & Chicagoland Let’s Talk Money

A Chicago Wedding Planner’s Guide to Budgeting 

Hey, Chicago couples! So, you’re engaged – congrats! One of the first things that pops up (and can cause a little stress) is the investment. I get it. It’s a big topic! And I’m here to give you the correct information on what you can expect to spend on a wedding in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

The Chicago Wedding Cost: What to Really Expect

Now, I know you might have done a quick Google search and seen some lower numbers. And you’re not wrong, exactly. But here’s the catch:

• Chicago Itself: If you’re dreaming of a city wedding, expect to spend, on average, somewhere in the ballpark of $70,000 to $80,000.
• Chicagoland Suburbs: For those planning a bit outside the city limits, in the surrounding suburbs, the average tends to be a bit lower, around $50,000 to $60,000.

Why the Discrepancy? It’s All About Location!

You might be wondering, “Wait, why so much? Google said the Illinois average is way less!” And that’s where things get tricky. The average cost of a wedding for the entire state of Illinois is indeed lower, often cited around $37,000. However, that state average includes everything from big city celebrations to more rural affairs.

Think about it: Chicago and its surrounding areas are urban. We all know the cost of living is higher here. Venues, vendors, and everything tend to be more of an investment in a bustling city. So, you can’t really use the state average to plan your Chicago-area wedding budget. That’s a recipe for sticker shock later!

Going Further Out: Does It Save a Lot?

If you venture about an hour outside of Chicago, you might be able to stretch that $37,000 a bit more. But even then, I’d still advise having a budget closer to $45,000 to give yourself some wiggle room. And here’s the thing: while you might find venues that are less of an investment, it’s important to be aware that your budget might dictate how much you have to do yourself, especially when it comes to decor. You might not have as much room in your budget to hire a professional decorator, which means you could be taking on more DIY projects than you anticipated. Additionally, you might find that you don’t have the wiggle room to book all the vendors you initially envisioned, meaning you might have to forgo some of those options.

The Bottom Line: Realistic Expectations

Here’s the takeaway I give all my couples:

• Chicago Wedding Cost: Plan for a minimum of $70,000.
• Chicagoland Suburb Wedding Cost: Plan for a minimum of $50,000.

My Planner’s Promise: I’m Here to Help!

I know this might seem like a lot, but don’t panic! As a planner, I’m here to help you navigate these costs, prioritize what’s most important to you, and create a beautiful wedding within a financial comfort zone that works. You can find out more about how we can help on my website.

I hope this helps you get a realistic starting point for your wedding investment!