*Last updated with 2019 stats*
The average wedding costs cited will vary from source to source, but according to The Wedding Report, today’s average wedding costs over $24k. On average, US couples spend $24,675 for their wedding.
In Illinois, the average was higher…$25,059. (This ranked Illinois at 23 out of all the States.) While up compared to 2018, over the past 5 years, IL spend only ranged between $24.3k (2015) and $25.4k (2017).
Around the Chicago metropolitan area, the average spend was around $30,413. This ranks the Chicago Metro Area at 115 out of 933 Metropolitan Areas. After the engagement ring, a big chunk of expenses is for the venue, including food and drinks. See a more detailed breakdown further below.
Please keep in mind that averages can be misleading. Your actual cost can be significantly less depending on your personal preferences. (It also helps if you know people ;)) To better estimate costs that are more personalized, The Wedding Report has an online Wedding Cost Estimator.
Understanding wedding costs now can help you with your wedding budget later. And while it may be nice to have an “Instagram-worthy” wedding, remember it’s not necessarily about how much money you spend. There are many inexpensive ways to make your wedding unique and unforgettable. That said, don’t be overly frugal either. There’s still often a premium price you pay for quality.
Average Wedding Costs: 2019 Sampling of Chicago Area Weddings
| Engagement Ring | $3,515 |
| Event Venue | $3,893 |
| Event Food Service | $4,941 |
| Wedding Cake/Dessert | $442 |
| Event Bar Service | $2,531 |
| Event Decorations | $465 |
| Event Flowers and Arrangements | $628 |
| Event Rentals | $1,871 |
| Wedding Dress | $1,254 |
| Full-Service Planner / Consultant | $2,799 |
| Day of Coordinator | $834 |
| Save The Date Cards | $120 |
| Invitations & Reply Cards | $238 |
| Thank You Cards | $96 |
| Ceremony Officiator | $227 |
| Wedding Photographer Fee | $1,581 |
| Wedding Videographer Fee | $1,068 |
| Digital or Photo CD/DVD | $281 |
| Photo Booth | $377 |
| Photo Prints and/or Enlargements | $233 |
| Wedding Album or Photo Book | $403 |
| DJ/MC | $737 |
| Live Band | $1,720 |
| Musician/s, Soloist, or Ensemble | $622 |
| Entertainment Lighting | $322 |
| Tips (for all services) | $400 |
| Wedding Favors | $251 |
| Hair Service | $69 |
| Makeup Service | $57 |
| Limo Rental | $520 |
| Other Transportation | $556 |
| {Miscellaneous Other Costs that Can Creep Up on You} | ??? |
Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash
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