Tipping at a wedding is like tipping at a restaurant, no one is making you tip, but would you walk away from dinner without tipping? Even if the service was just blah, I bet you still leave something. Unlike tipping at a restaurant, it is not clear how to go about tipping wedding vendors. The standard 15% to 20% rule does not apply in this case. We broke down all of the tipping etiquette and suggestions below!
Before you start handing out envelopes of cash, be sure to read all of your vendor contracts carefully. There are many times the tip or gratuity is already added. Some vendors will even make a note to let you know the gratuity had not been added and might even suggest what happy clients typically give as a tip.
Hair and Makeup 15%-20% of the total
Hair and make tipping mirrors how you would tip at a salon or store. If you bridesmaids are planning on paying for their dos, it is courteous to pass along the tipping etiquette. If they do not plan on tipping, you might want to consider adding a tip from everyone based on the total amount.
Delivery and Set-Up Crew $5 – $20 a person
There is a ton of individuals coming and going to help set up your wedding. It is easiest to ask the vendor directly how many people they plan to have helped with the setup and breakdown. The vendors who normally have a delivery crew would be the florist, baker, and any rentals you have coming.
Ceremony Officiant $50 – $200
Take a good look at the contract for this tipping number. If you are getting married by and in a religious institution, the tipping and gratuity are typically mentioned in the contract. Sometimes a tip is not allowed, but you can make a donation.
Ceremony Musicians $20 – $50 a person
When tipping wedding vendors, remember to ask the vendors how many people are in their “crew.” For ceremony or cocktail musicians, that number can vary, and they may also have a person help with the setup and delivery of the instruments and equipment. It is always better to ask and be prepared than embarrassed.
Photographer and Videographer $50 – $200
If you have been pleased with the photographer and videographer, show your gratitude with a little tip! Remember, when the wedding is over, you will still be working with both vendors to get your final product. It will only benefit you if they begin editing the work with a lovely memory of you.
Band $20 – $30 a person
Again, be sure to ask the band how many people they have in their group. You will need to know about the vendor meals, but also for tipping wedding vendors. Bands will have more people than who are on stage. There need to be people to help with the setup and breakdown as well as people behind the scenes working on the sounds and lighting.
DJ $50 – $150
The DJ tip will include their delivery and set up the tip. Keep in mind all of the equipment the DJ has to carry around and set up and sometimes even move around during the ceremony and reception. If you are pleased with your DJ, show that with the money! It will go a long way.
Wedding planner $50-$200
Think about how much work your wedding planner has done for your wedding and now reflect on all of the extra miles they went to ensure your wedding went on smoothly. Especially if there was a big disaster or problem they helped fixed, that was them going above and beyond.
Transportation 15%-20% of the total
Transportation tips are generally already added in the contract or at least mentioned in the contract. You can even have a tip added automatically to your bill. Tipping transportation is similar to tipping a taxi or Uber, so make sure to take care of your driver (who has most likely been dealing with your drunk relatives all night).
Catering and Event Managers $100 – $200
Waitstaff and Bartenders $20 – $40 a person
The catering tip is typically added to the bill. Take a very close look at the final invoice to determine if the tip is included. I’m sure every person would love to be double tipped, but let’s make sure you are smart with your money and budget. If you have any trouble reading the contract, just as the caterer directly if the tip is already included and what past clients have typically done.
Valet $2 per car
Coat Check $1 per coat
Both the valet and coach check tips are usually added to the final invoice as well. As stated before, when tipping wedding vendors, always check the contract first! Everyone is here working hard to make sure your wedding is perfect, and people are doing more than what they are contracted to do just to be sure you are pleased and happy!
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