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!
Edge Hair & Makeup ensuring each bride is looking her best on her special day. Photo Credit: Danielle Gillett Photography
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artists
The Standard: Expected, 15%-25% 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: Optional, yet if you loved their service and you had a great connection, tip $50-$200. If the officiant is a priest, suggest making a donation to the church in your honor instead.
When to Tip: At the ceremony rehearsal
Bartenders & Waitstaff
The Standard: Expected, yet dictated by your contract. If the service fee is included, consider providing extra gratuity only if the service was exceptional. If it’s not included, ask ahead of time how many wait staff members will be working your wedding and calculate on a per-person basis at 15%-20% of the total food & beverage.
When to Tip: At the conclusion of your reception, given to the banquet manager to distribute
Delicious hors d’ oeuvres tray passed by Brasada Ranch’s banquet servers. Photo Credit: Ely Roberts Photography
Wedding Planner or Day of Coordinator
The Standard: Optional, yet if your planner or coordinator went above and beyond or assisted with tasks that were not expected, a personal gift or tip of 15%-20% of services 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 or thank you note at a later date
Venue Coordinator or Catering Manager
The Standard: Optional, yet if he or she provided exceptional service, a personal gift, or tip of $50-$200 would be recommended.
When to Tip: At the conclusion of the reception or thank you note at a later date
Photographer/Videographer
The Standard: Optional, yet if you enjoyed working with him or her, a tip of $50-$200 is appropriate. If there are any assistants or second shooters, it is also a good idea to tip them as well.
When to Tip: At the conclusion of the reception or when their coverage time is completed
The owner of The Indigo Bride, Bree making sure the train of this bride’s dress is perfect for her walk down the aisle. Photo Credit: Sarah Lynn Photography PDX
DJ
The Standard: Optional, yet based on their quality of the service they provided or willingness to play your playlist or requests, 15%-20% of services
When to Tip: at the conclusion of the reception
Ceremony Musicians or Band
The Standard: Optional, yet if you loved their performance and professionalism, $25-$75 per player for reception bands or $15-$25 per player for ceremony musicians
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
Michelle of Posie Shoppe ensuring each floral bloom is perfectly placed. Photo Credit: Ely Roberts Photography
Florist
The Standard: Optional,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: Optional, 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: Optional, $50-$100 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
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!