In this guide, we are going to go over everything you need to know about tipping wedding vendors - offering clear and straightforward advice on which wedding vendors get tipped, and how much cash you should plan on having to part with for each. Tipping and vendor gratuities are often overlooked until late in the planning process amidst the whirlwind of other decisions and things to do, but there is good reason to think about wedding tips for vendors early on. Yes, gratuity plays an important role in expressing your appreciation to your hard-working vendors, but more important to consider is how tips can drastically impact your wedding budget and total overall spend.
If you've been wondering "Who do you tip at a wedding?", or, "How much do you tip wedding vendors?" know that you are not alone and that you're in the right place! In the sections below, you'll learn which vendors should receive a tip, the appropriate amounts to allocate, and how and when to present it to your vendor. In a culture that has seemingly gone tip crazy (like, really, crazy!) we’re also going to dive into which wedding vendors do not get a tip. Addressing and planning for gratuities early in your wedding planning process will help you avoid any last-minute financial surprises, ensure your budget remains on track, and guarantee your vendors feel acknowledged for making your special day unforgettable
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Getting Gratuity Right: Tipping Etiquette and Obligated v Optional Tips
Tipping your wedding vendors is more than just a polite gesture; it's an integral part of your overall wedding expenses, and there are rules and customs in place that you should lean on to ensure you’re tipping appropriately. Unlike the generally straightforward nature of tipping in everyday scenarios, such as dining out or taxi rides, tipping wedding vendors is a little bit more nuanced and involves a tad bit more complex set of considerations. This is mainly due to the wide range of services and scope of service that can be provided by a vendor, even within the same category or industry.
It's super important to recognize that while not mandatory, gratuities are in many cases customary and therefore expected for particular types of services. With that said, there are some instances where a tip is not really an option but more of an obligation- say for example - for a caterer or bartender. In other instances, a tip may be appropriate for a job well done, but is not necessarily expected. Let's break it down:
Obligated Wedding Tips: Certain roles typically expect a tip for their services, including delivery and setup crews, makeup artists/hairstylists, bartenders, catering team/waitstaff transportation, and other types of attendants (such as valet attendants or coat check).
Option Wedding Tips: For coordinators/wedding planners, floral designers, photo booth attendants, cake bakers, photographers, and videographers, even musicians and DJs, tipping remains a considerate gesture but is not obligatory.
How To Tip Wedding Vendors Who are Owner/Operators
Navigating wedding vendor tips requires an understanding of where there is an obligation to tip versus where it is optional to tip to start, but there is one additional consideration. It’s absolutely crucial to differentiate between vendors who own their business and those who are employees before determining how much is appropriate for you to dole out on the big day.
Those who are business owners - or work for themselves - typically do not expect tips, given they receive the full fee for their services. Think of it this way, these vendors set their rate, so it’s up to them to charge what they feel is appropriate for their time and expertise. An employee on the other hand, typically only receives their wages as paid by the employer, so, if they go above and beyond for you, they don’t get any extra in their paycheck - so these are the folks who might deserve a little cold hard cash for making your wedding ceremony and reception extra awesome.
With all of that in mind, for small business owners, who are also the primary services provider, a tip is still a wonderful way to acknowledge their personal contribution to your special day if you do feel like they are deserving. It's not mandatory, but if they went above and beyond, it shouldn't be out of the question. In these cases, you should also make it a priority to send a thank you note, post a glowing review, or share and tag photos on social media.
Understanding Your Contract: Service Charges, Admin Fees & Gratuities (Oh My)
Before you start stuffing envelopes with cash, the very first step to figuring out who gets what involves taking a deep dive into your vendor contracts. This preliminary step is completely crucial as some vendors may include a gratuity or service charge within their initial quote, particularly catering and transportation providers. Understanding the fine print in your contract is essential and can prevent you from two potential scenarios - tipping twice (yikes! sorry budget) or not tipping at all (ew! how embarrassing!), so make sure this step is on your wedding planning checklist.
As you sift through each contract, make a note of any mentions of gratuities, service charges, or administrative fees. These terms can often signify what has already been accounted for, and what has not - potentially relieving you of additional tipping obligations for those particular services. However, if the contract doesn’t specify or you find the language a little confusing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vendors for clarification. In fact, I always recommend chatting with any vendor that includes any kind of service charge to understand exactly what they mean by that. Is that a tip? Who gets this money? How is it distributed? Sometimes it is a tip for employees working the event, but sometimes it is not - so it’s important to have a crystal clear answer (preferably in writing) from your vendor.
Remember, it’s 100% okay to be straight with your vendors. Asking, “Is a tip expected?" And, "If so, what percentage is appropriate?” are fair and non-offensive questions to ask. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your wedding service appreciation is expressed appropriately and effectively. As a planner, I can say that this approach not only helps in budgeting accurately for your wedding but also sets the stage for transparent interactions with your vendors. If you need help figuring out how to ask "Do I need to tip you?!" with a bit more panache, stay tuned, we'll get to that in a bit.
By knowing exactly where your money is going, you can feel more confident in your financial decisions and ensure that those contributing to your wedding day are fairly compensated for their exceptional service. It will also indicate to your vendor that a.) you are on top of your game, b.) you respect their time and expertise, which basically makes you the dream client.
So before we dive into our wedding tip guide, here are the key takeaways to remember:
Review Your Contracts First: Take a moment to carefully review your vendor contracts. Some may already include gratuities in their pricing, eliminating the need for additional tips. Check for terms like "service charge", "admin fee” and ask the vendor to explain.
Understand Owners v Employees: Have a discussion with your vendor to understand if they are the business owner, ask them to clarify what the expectation is in regard to tips for their services..
Include Tips In Your Budget Breakdown: Incorporate a ballpark estimate for gratuities into your initial wedding budget planning. You can adjust vendor tips based on performance later but you’ll be much more comfortable knowing you have it set aside already.
Wedding Gratuity Guide: How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors
Now for the juicy part: how much to tip each wedding vendor. Navigating the nuances of tipping wedding vendors can feel like a complex puzzle, but we hope to provide some clear guidance to allow you to tip in a way that feels both generous and appropriate. Below is our suggested tip breakdown for key wedding vendors, ensuring your tokens of appreciation hit the right note. You'll also find a printable wedding vendor tipping cheat sheet that you can print out and place in your wedding binder for easy access below!
How Much To Tip Wedding Catering Staff:
How Much: $20-$50 for each server and $50-$100 for cooks is a good starting point. This amount can be adjusted based on the level of service and the complexity of your event.
Bartenders: Consider a gratuity of 10% of the total liquor bill if their service was not included in a set charge
Event Captain: If your caterer provides and event captain that was heavily involved in the running of your event, this person should be tipped at a higher amount: $100-$250 depending on their role
When: At the end of the wedding reception. You can also discuss pre-paying gratuities and opt to include it with your final payment prior to the wedding reception.
Note: Caterers work in a number of different ways, while this guideline provides the most typical scenario, it’s important to be aware that it may not apply to your situation. Ensure you discuss what is appropriate and expected with your specific caterer based on how they pay their staff.
How Much To Tip Wedding Planners (Partial & Full Service)
How Much: A gratuity isn't standard given wedding planners typically charge a substantial base fee. If your wedding planner has gone above an beyond, a gratuity of up to 10% of their package price is acceptable. If they provide a team of on-site assistants to run the day, you may wish to tip them for their hard work; a gratuity of $50-$150 per staff is appropriate.
When: At the end of the wedding reception or in the days that follow
How Much To Tip Venue Coordinator/Day-Of Coordinators:
How Much: Most day-of coordinators are self employed, so a tip is not expected, however you may wish to express your thanks for their hard work and pulling your day together. In this case a flat fee of $100-$500 is appropriate depending on their level of involvement and performance. If you have a coordinator through your venue you can inquire whether part of the service charge goes to them, or if an additional gratuity is appropriate. If so, a flat fee of $100-$500 based on their level of involvement will do.
When: At the end of the wedding reception or in the days that follow.
How Much Should You Tip Your Wedding Officiant:
How Much: If your officiant is a secular or civil servant, a tip of $50 to $100 is appropriate. If your wedding ceremony is religious and your officiant is a pastor, priest, rabbi or other religious representative than a tip, a donation to the church or religious institution is customary, ranging from $100 to $500.
When: The donation should be given to the officiant before the wedding ceremony, like at the rehearsal, or immediately after the wedding ceremony concludes
Do You Tip Your Wedding Photographer or Videographer:
How Much: Many wedding photographers and videographers are self employed, so it’s not customary to tip the photographer. If a wedding photographer provides a second shooter or assistant, you may wish to provide a tip to this person, $50-$150 is appropriate depending on the cost of the package/duration of service. For those not owning their business, $50-$150 per staff member is a kind gesture.
When: At the end of their service on your wedding day.
Do You Tip Your Wedding Florists:
How Much: While not expected, if you had a crazy custom order or extensive floral design and set up you could consider a tipping your florist up to 10% of the order or, more commonly, $50-$100 per on-site staff and only in the case of an intense setup/breakdown.
When: Upon delivery or setup completion.
How Much To Tip Wedding DJ, Band & Musicians
How Much: It’s not mandatory but becoming more appropriate to leave a tip for a wedding band, DJ, and other wedding entertainers. $25-$50 per musician and $100-250 for DJs, tailored to their role in your celebration will do the trick. Consider their level of interaction, the duration of the event, and their performance.
When: After the ceremony or wedding reception.
What To Tip Wedding Hair and Makeup Artists
How Much: Like at a salon, 15-20% of the total service cost is customary, unless they are the business owner, in which case a tip is typically not expected. If the business owner is providing an assistant or other staff, you should discuss what an appropriate tip for these extra hands would be with the vendor; it will depend on your specific services, number of people, etc.
When: Immediately after their services are rendered, prior to the wedding ceremony.
What To Tip Wedding Transportation Providers
How Much: 15-20% of the total bill for drivers; $5-$10 per staff for those handling minor tasks.
When: At the end of their service on your wedding day.
What To Tip Delivery People, Set Up Staff & Other Providers:
Standard Wedding Deliveries (chairs, tables, linens): For basic delivery services, a tip of $5-$10 per staff person is considerate, especially if they're efficient and careful with the items.
Complex or Large-Scale Setups (tents, lighting, elaborate decorations): For more involved setups that require significant time and effort, tipping $20-$50 per person is a good benchmark. If the team goes above and beyond, such as working under challenging conditions or ensuring everything is perfect, you might consider tipping on the higher end.
Valet Parking Attendants: It's customary to tip valet staff $2-$5 per car. You might consider tipping at the higher end for prompt or especially courteous service. If you’re hosting a large event, you can arrange to cover all valet tips in advance; otherwise, guests typically tip individually.
Coat Check: A tip of $1-$2 per coat is standard. As with valet services, you have the option to cover the coat check tips on behalf of your guests, especially if you’re not charging for the service.
Restroom Attendants: If your venue provides restroom attendants, a tip of $1-$2 per guest, or a lump sum arranged beforehand, is considerate to ensure they're compensated for their help during the event.
Bakery: A tip is not required for your cake baker, however you may wish tip the delivery person who brings the cake to your wedding venue or sets it up. $5-$20 is appropriate depending on size of the cake and distance from the Bakery.
How Do You Ask A Vendor If (Or How Much) You Should Tip Them:
Asking about tipping and gratuities can feel a little awkward, but it's a common question in service industries, so there is really no need - as long as you do it tactfully. The key is to frame the question in a way that expresses your respect for your vendor's time and expertise. Here are a few suggestions on how to phrase this question:
Seek Clarification: "Could you help me understand the tipping policy? I want to make sure I'm following standard etiquette."
Reference the Contract: "I've reviewed our contract but wanted to double-check with you directly—does it include gratuities, or is that something we should plan for separately?"
Keep It Open Ended: "How are gratuities typically handled for your services? I'd like to ensure we're aligned with common practices."
Express Gratitude: "We're so appreciative of the work you're doing for us. Can you advise on the best way to express our gratitude in terms of tipping?"
Be Direct yet Respectful: "Is it customary to provide a tip for your services? We want to ensure we're showing our appreciation appropriately."
By framing your question this way, you're showing respect for their profession and a desire to adhere to etiquette. In the end, the vendor will be relieved that you have asked ahead of time, just as much as you.
Preparing for Tipping on Your Big Day: Organization is Key
As your wedding day draws near, preparing for vendor tips in advance can alleviate last-minute stress and allow you to focus on the fun stuff. Here’s how to ensure your tipping process is as smooth as the rest of your wedding planning.
Creating Your Tip Sheet:
Start by listing all the vendors you plan to tip and the suggested amounts for each, based on the guidelines provided earlier. As we mentioned earlier, it’s helpful if you have factored these costs into your wedding budget early on to avoid surprises, but as the day gets closer, look to nail down how much you plan to distribute and to whom.
Envelopes: Your Best Friend
A week before your wedding, prepare labeled envelopes for each vendor. This not only helps in keeping the tips organized but also ensures that each vendor receives the correct amount. Placing cash in these envelopes and adding a short thank you note can add a personal touch to your gesture of appreciation. I recommend doing this early and getting it out of the way- just don’t lose the envelopes or forget where you’ve put them! Keep these with other important items - like your wedding bands!
Here are some great, super budget-friendly thank you note sets perfect for vendor tips:
Delegate the Responsibility
Choose a trusted family member, your wedding planner, or a member of the bridal party to distribute the envelopes on the day of your wedding. This allows you to enjoy your day without worrying about managing tips. Don’t wait until the wedding day to spring this on the trusted friend - discuss their role in giving out the tip in advance and make sure they know where to get the envelope when the time comes. If you're reading this post early in your planning, this is your sign to add it to your wedding checklist.
Beyond Cash Tips: Creative Ways to Thank Your Wedding Vendors
Expressing appreciation for your wedding vendors doesn’t always mean opening your wallet. For those special touches that made your day unforgettable or when a financial gesture isn’t feasible there are certainly alternatives you can look to:
Gift Cards & Personal Gifts: A thoughtfully chosen gift or a versatile gift card can convey your thanks in a personal way, showing your vendors that you value their contribution beyond the contract.
Vendor Meals: Vendor meals are often part of the contracted deal for some vendors, but offering a special meal during your event is a heartfelt way to ensure other vendors are well taken care of, recognizing their hard work in a practical manner.
The Power of Public Praise: Leaving Reviews
Equally impactful is leaving a positive review on platforms where it matters most for the vendor. A glowing review not only serves as a vote of confidence for future clients but also publicly acknowledges the vendor's hard work and contribution to making your day special. It's a powerful way to support their business beyond the event itself.
In the world of weddings, where personal touch and experiences reign supreme, these gestures of appreciation stand out. They not only express gratitude but also contribute to the vendor's ongoing success.Take the time to ask your all-star vendor where or which platform would be the best place for your review.
Tag, You're It: Thanking Wedding Vendors On Social
Don't forget the impact of social media. Tagging your vendors in posts related to their services not only showcases their work to your followers but also extends your gratitude to a wider audience. It's a simple yet powerful way to boost their visibility and acknowledge their part in your special day.
In today's digital age, these gestures of appreciation resonate deeply, offering a blend of personal thanks and public endorsement. They're a testament to the significant role each vendor played in your celebration and a boost to their professional standing in the wedding community.
Navigating the world of wedding tipping doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding whom to tip, how much, and when, you can ensure your vendors feel appreciated and valued for their contributions to making your wedding day unforgettable. Remember, tipping is ultimately a personal expression of gratitude; it should feel right to you and reflect the level of service you received. Planning ahead, organizing your tips, and delegating their distribution can make the process seamless, letting you focus on the joy of your wedding day.
If you are in the throws of planning and looking for more guidance, advice or some good old fashion community, join us at The I Do Club - our private facebook group for couples who are planning their own weddings! We'd love to share your journey with you!
Tipping Wedding Vendors FAQ
1. Is it necessary to tip the catering staff if a service charge is already included?
Service charges often cover operational costs and may not go into the pocket of the on-site team, that's why it's extra important to chat with your caterer about how their fees and charges are distributed. If gratuities are not included, or the service exceeded your expectations, consider tipping the staff—suggested amounts are $20-$50 for servers, $100-$200 for the head cook and Event Captains
2. How can I handle tipping when my wedding budget is already stretched thin?
Tight budgets require careful planning and then creative expressions of gratitude. For those where tips are more or less obligatory, you should budget their tip in with the cost of their service. For the more optional types of tips (think for your florist, planner, etc.) handwritten thank-you notes, positive reviews online, and social media acknowledgments are invaluable. Offering meals on the day or small thoughtful gifts can also convey thanks without financial strain.
3. Do musicians and DJs expect tips at weddings?
While not always expected, tipping musicians and DJs is a great way to appreciate their contribution to your day's ambiance. For DJs, a tip of $50-$200 is generous, depending on their role's significance. Live ceremony musicians might appreciate $25-$50 per band member. Always base your decision on the level of service and personal interaction.
4. Should I tip the wedding dress consultant and alteration staff?
Tipping your wedding dress consultant or alteration staff is a lovely gesture of appreciation, especially if they've gone above and beyond in helping you find your perfect dress or in making last-minute adjustments. A tip of $20-$100, based on the level of service and the complexity of your requests, is thoughtful. Alternatively, positive feedback to their manager or glowing reviews online can also highlight their excellent service.
5. Do I need to use envelopes for wedding tips or can I just hand them cash?
Envelopes keep things discrete, secure and organized, so go for the envelope. Label each one ahead of time with the vendor's name for zero mix-ups, and if you have the time, include a little thank you note. Or, for a nice touch of class, grab an inexpensive set of thank you note cards and envelopes - like these simple thank you notes on Amazon- include your cash and a quick note and you're all set! We also love these "Beyond Grateful" thank you notes that won't break the bank by any means. If you want to be extra classy, our personal favorite is this pink and blush elegant thank-you card set found on Amazon.
