How to Tip Your Wedding Vendors - aka Your Dream Team!
The Tea
Your wedding vendors are the magic-makers who turn your dream day into reality. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s a fabulous way to show love for their hard work and dedication. Wedding pros pour their hearts into every detail, and a little extra “thank you” can go a long way in fueling their passion. However, let’s be real: figuring out who to tip and how much is daunting. Don’t worry, babe—we’ve got you covered with this no-fluff guide to tipping your all-star vendor squad.
Pro Tip: Check your contracts in advance. Some gratuities may already be baked into your bill (especially for catering and bartending), so no need to double-tip unless service was above and beyond. To keep things stress-free on your big day, prep envelopes with cash ahead of time and label them for each vendor. Hand them off to your wedding planner (hi, that’s us!) to distribute during the day. We will ensure they are handed out at the appropriate times through the wedding day. A heartfelt thank-you note, personal gift, or a glowing review post-wedding works wonders too.
The Ultimate Tipping Guide
- Standard: 15%-25% of services (just like a salon visit).
- When: At the end of their service, before you head to “I do.”
- Standard: $50-$200. For priests, consider a donation to their church in your name.
- When: After the ceremony.
- Standard: 15%-20% of the total food and beverage bill, or a flat amount if a service fee is already included.
- When: At the end of the night, handed to the banquet manager.
- Standard: Optional, yet a tip of 18%-25% or a personal gift is golden. Bonus points for letting us share your wedding photos online!
- When: Post-reception or via a thank-you note later.
- Standard: Optional, $200-$500 for exceptional service.
- When: After the reception.
- Standard: Optional, yet a tip of 18%-25% or a personal gift is perf.
- When: At the end of their coverage time.
- DJ Standard: 18%-25% of their fee if they kept the dance floor packed.
- Band Standard: $100 per band member for a killer performance.
- When: At the end of the reception or their set.
- Standard: $50 per musician for a flawless ceremony soundtrack.
- When: After their performance.
- Standard: 15%-20% if not included in your contract.
- When: At the final drop-off or after the last ride.
- Standard: Optional, 10%-15% for jaw-dropping floral magic.
- When: With the final payment or a thank-you note later.
- Standard: Optional, 10%-15% for a cake that tastes as good as it looks.
- When: With the final payment or via a thank-you note.
- Standard: $100-$200 if they kept your guests entertained and the booth hopping.
- When: After the reception.
- Standard: $1-$2 per car.
- When: Before the wedding starts so they can let guests know tips are covered.
Tipping is a fabulous way to celebrate the rockstars who made your wedding day unforgettable. There are many other ways to make your dream team feel the love, including thoughtful thank-you cards, glowing reviews, or referral works just as well to show your gratitude. Your dream team gave you their all—let them know just how much it meant.
Ready to make your micro wedding epic in Bend, Oregon or Scottsdale, Arizona or any other dreamy destination? Let’s chat—The Indigo Bride has covered every step of the way.
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