Providing a gratuity or tip for your wedding vendors is an important way to show your appreciation for their dedication and hard work. Tips are not always expected nor mandatory, yet are greatly appreciated. The wedding industry is truly a labor of love and these small gestures can help fuel passion and the drive to continue to provide the best service possible to each and every couple. Figuring how much to tip each vendor can be a challenge so we have listed our suggested standards below. Also, be sure to check your contracts in advance to see if a gratuity or service charge is already included with your payment.
To avoid scrambling with tipping on the day of your wedding, we recommend that you create a list of who you would like to tip and organizing the cash into envelopes well in advance of your big day. As your coordinator, we are happy to ensure that these envelopes are given to each vendor at an appropriate time throughout the day. Of course, a thank you card, personal gift, or even a glowing review after the wedding day is also a wonderful way to show your appreciation for the team that makes the magic happen to provide you and your partner the best day ever!
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artists
The Standard: Expected, 15%-20% of services, similar to getting your hair done at a salon, the same idea applies to your wedding hairstylists and makeup artists
When to Tip: At the conclusion of your services
Officiant
The Standard: Appreciated, if you loved their service and you had a great connection, tip 10-15%. If the officiant is a priest, suggest making a donation to the church in your honor instead.
When to Tip: At the ceremony rehearsal
Catering & Bartenders
The Standard: Expected, yet typically included in your contract. However, a service fee is not the same thing as gratuity. A service fee is around the same percentage, but it is not given to the service staff, it used by the business to cover transportation, insurance, equipment, etc. If there is no gratuity listed in the contract, the standard is 18%-20% of the total food & beverage cost.
When to Tip: At the conclusion of your reception, given to the manager to distribute amongst the staff
Wedding Planner or Day of Coordinator
The Standard: Appreciated, yet if your planner or coordinator went above and beyond or assisted with tasks that were not expected, a tip of 18%-25% of the service cost would be appropriate. Also, allowing your wedding day photos/videos to be used for their portfolio, social media, or for submitting to publications is another way of showing your gratitude.
When to Tip: At the conclusion of the reception
Venue Coordinator or Catering Manager
The Standard: Appreciated, if he or she provided exceptional service, a tip of $200-$500 would be recommended.
When to Tip: At the conclusion of the reception
Photographer/Videographer
The Standard: Appreciated, if you enjoyed working with them, a tip of 18-25% of services is appropriate. If there are any assistants or second shooters, the main photographer or videographer will disseminate the tip amongst the team.
When to Tip: At the conclusion of the reception or when their coverage time is completed
DJ
The Standard: Appreciated, based on the quality of service they provided or willingness to play your playlist or requests, 18%-25% of services
When to Tip: At the conclusion of the reception
Ceremony Musicians or Band
The Standard: Appreciated, if you loved their performance and professionalism, 18-25% of services
When to Tip: At the conclusion of reception or their performance
Transportation
The Standard: Expected, yet dictated by your contact. Quite often transportation companies include the gratuity in their contract. But if yours doesn’t, you could tip 15%-20% for an on-time arrival for the transportation, as well as any guest shuttles.
When to Tip: Upon pickup or after the last ride
Florist
The Standard: Appreciated, 10%-15% of services if they did an outstanding, over-the-top job
When to Tip: With final payment or thank you note at a later date
Cake Designer or Baker
The Standard: Appreciated, 10%-15% of services if they provided a delicious, beautiful cake
When to Tip: With final payment or thank you note at a later date
Photo Booth Attendant
The Standard: Appreciated, Appreciated, 10%-15% of services if they are genuinely interacted with your guests and ensured the booth was getting plenty of use through the duration of the reception
When to Tip: At the conclusion of the reception
Valet
The Standard: Expected, $1-2 per Car
When to Tip: Prior to the start of your wedding, as they can let any guests that would like to tip know that gratuity has already been taken care of by the wedding host
Setup & Cleanup Crew
The Standard: Appreciated, if you want to thank them for an exceptional job, $50 per staff
When to Tip: After services rendered
We hope these standards will assist with your budgeting and expectations for tipping your wedding vendors. Of course, as we mentioned above, tipping is not mandatory and there are other options that can go a long way with your dream team. Whether it be a hand-written thank you note, a review, or a referral – these gestures are also a fabulous way to show your appreciation!