How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors

Tipping has always been a controversial issue especially because the amount of tip you should give different service providers varies. The same scenario happens with weddings because there is a protocol for tipping each type of vendor. Worry not, however, we have below the ultimate guide for how much you should tip your wedding vendors.

Catering

Great food and a lovely cake will make or break your wedding. If your caterer delivered great service, consider tipping them about 15 to 20% of the total bill. Some caterers include gratuity with their bill so there isn’t a need to tip if this is the case. However, if you are feeling generous you could set aside a small amount of about $20 to $50 to give the servers at the wedding.

Wedding Planners

Your wedding day coordinator or planner (read this for the difference between the two) does not expect a tip, so this would depend on how much you appreciated their service. If they did a great job and saved you a lot of money through their vendor suggestions, then you could consider giving them a 10 to 2o% tip on their total bill.

Photographer and Videographer

If your photographer or videographer has been sent by an agency, consider tipping them $50 to $100 for their service during your wedding. If they are successful business owners that own large studios then a tip may not be necessary.

Venue Staff

You do not have to tip employees that work at your ceremony and reception locations. Additionally, delivery drivers also don’t have to be tipped. If you are feeling generous, however, you could tip all the extra staff $20 to $50 dollars each.

Officiant

Tipping your officiant will be difficult because they most likely won’t accept it. Consider donation $100 to their church to express gratitude for the services you received. Independent officiants could be tipped directly if you can convince them. It is important to find a way to tip officiants as they often provide their services for free.

Hair And Makeup

Your hairstylist and makeup artist will expect a tip just as they would expect one when visited at their salon. A tip of 15 to 20 % of the total bill is acceptable.

DJ And Band

If your DJ or band was disappointing, then it would not be necessary to tip them. However, if you hired a better wedding DJ that kept your wedding guests dancing then a tip of 10 to 15% is appropriate. If you hired a band with several members then you could tip each person $20 to $50.

Florist

The florist will charge you according to the flower arrangements and will not expect a tip. However, if you were very impressed with their service provision you could tip the 10 to 15% of their total bill.

Transportation

You can tip the transport company 10 to 15% if they did not include it in their final bill. Individual delivery persons and drivers can be tipped $20 each based on your discretion.

Tipping Wedding Vendors Is Optional

It should be noted that except for catering most vendors will be pleasantly surprised if you give them a tip. If your budget doesn’t allow you to tip your suppliers, consider expressing your appreciation through positive reviews and testimonials as well as referring your vendors to your friends and family.