Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who to Tip and How Much
Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who to Tip and How Much
One of the often-overlooked aspects of wedding planning is the topic of gratuities. While tips are never expected, they are always appreciated, especially for those wedding vendors who go above and beyond to ensure your big day runs smoothly. If you’ve chosen an all-inclusive wedding package that doesn’t include gratuities, it can be a bit confusing to know who should receive a tip and how much to give. This guide will help you navigate the etiquette of tipping your wedding vendors, ensuring you show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
1. Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Tip: $200 – $500 (or more, depending on the level of service)
Your wedding planner or coordinator plays a key role in managing the logistics and overall flow of your big day. While many planners include tips as part of their fee, it’s customary to offer a separate tip if they go the extra mile in making your wedding day stress-free and flawless. If your planner has provided exceptional service, you can show your appreciation with a cash tip, a thoughtful gift, or both.
2. Catering Team (Servers, Bartenders, etc.)
Tip: 15% – 20% of the total catering bill (divided among staff)
Catering teams often provide the backbone of your wedding reception, ensuring that your guests are fed, hydrated, and happy. If your caterer is providing staff to serve food and drinks, it’s common to tip them based on the total catering bill. In most cases, a portion of this tip will already be included in your contract, but if it’s not, you should consider offering a tip of 15% – 20% of the catering costs, divided among the servers and bartenders. If you hired an external catering team, you may want to tip per person or per staff member.
3. Photographer and Videographer
Tip: $50 – $200 each
Photographers and videographers are responsible for capturing the moments that will last a lifetime. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a nice way to acknowledge their hard work, especially if they went above and beyond to get the perfect shot. A tip of $50 to $200 is standard, but you can adjust based on your satisfaction with their service. Some couples also provide a small thank-you gift or bonus for exceptional service.
4. Hair and Makeup Artists
Tip: 15% – 20% of the total service fee
Hair and makeup artists work tirelessly to ensure you look your best on your wedding day. A tip of 15% – 20% of the total cost of their services is appreciated for a job well done. If the artist goes above and beyond in making you feel comfortable and confident, feel free to offer a larger tip.
5. DJ or Band
Tip: $50 – $200
Your DJ or band sets the mood for your wedding reception, so if they’ve kept the energy up and your guests dancing all night, a tip is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude. A tip of $50 to $200 is typical for the DJ or band leader, depending on how many musicians or entertainers are part of the group.
6. Officiant
Tip: $50 – $100 (if not included in the ceremony fee)
If you’ve hired an officiant for your ceremony, they may have already been paid a set fee. However, if the officiant is someone you’ve hired separately (rather than a clergy member donating their time), a tip of $50 to $100 is customary. If your officiant is a personal friend or family member, a tip might not be necessary, but a thoughtful gift or donation in their name is always a kind gesture.
7. Florist
Tip: Optional, depending on the level of service
While tipping a florist is not always expected, if they’ve gone above and beyond—such as designing custom arrangements or delivering flowers at a special location—it’s thoughtful to offer a small tip, perhaps $50 – $100. Some couples choose to skip tipping the florist and instead write a heartfelt thank-you note.
When to Give the Tip
The best time to provide tips is on the day of the wedding or shortly after, depending on your relationship with the vendor. If your wedding is managed by a planner, they may handle distributing tips for you. Otherwise, you can choose to give the tips yourself either before or after the ceremony, at the end of the night, or even the next day.
How to Handle Gratuities in an All-Inclusive Package
Since your all-inclusive wedding package doesn’t include tips, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance by allocating a budget for gratuities. You might want to keep envelopes labeled with each vendor’s name, so you’re ready to distribute tips on the day of the wedding. If you’re working with a wedding planner, they may be able to collect and distribute tips on your behalf.
Final Thoughts
While tips are never required, they are a wonderful way to show your gratitude to the vendors who make your wedding day unforgettable. The best part about wedding vendor tips is that they are a direct reflection of your appreciation for their hard work, and every little bit helps. Remember, if you’re happy with a vendor’s service, don’t hesitate to show your thanks—it’s always a welcome gesture!
If you have any questions about tipping or would like more tips for planning your wedding, don’t hesitate to reach out!