Who to tip, when to tip, and how to do it efficiently.
As couples get closer to their wedding day the question of when is a tip appropriate and how much usually pops up. Tipping your wedding vendors is a thoughtful way to express gratitude for exceptional service. Below, we’ll explore the art of tipping wedding vendors, including who to tip, when to tip, and how to do it efficiently.
Before diving into the tipping process, it’s crucial to understand which vendors traditionally receive tips. While some professionals may include gratuity in their contracts, others might not.
Who to Tip?
Tipping is customary for:
- Catering and Waitstaff: Check your contract for a gratuity charge. If gratuity is not included, we recommend the below breakdown for tipping:
- Chef/Kitchen Captain – $80-100
- Catering Service Captain – $40-50
- Catering Staff – $20-40 each
*The number of catering staff at your event is typically listed in your final contract!
- Hair and Makeup Artists: 15-20% of the total bill
The below vendors do not expect a tip but they are always appreciated!
The amount listed is just a general guideline! It’s up to you how or if you’d like to tip your vendor team.
- Photographer and Videographer: $50-$100 per team member
- Transportation: $30-$50 per driver
- Musicians/DJ: $50-$100 per person
- Wedding Planner and/or Venue Coordinator: $60-$100 per team member
- Florist: $50-$100 for lead florist
- Professional or Religious Officiants: A donation to their place of worship or a flat fee of $50-$100
How to Tip:
- Cash is king: If gratuity is not included in a contract, most vendors prefer cash tips, as they can be immediately distributed to their team onsite.
- Envelopes: Use blank envelopes to enclose the cash, and mark with the vendor’s name.
- Delegate responsibility: Have your wedding planner or a trusted friend or family member to handle the tipping process to avoid any stress on your special day.
- Personalize the gesture: If you wish, write a heartfelt thank-you note to accompany the tip to show your appreciation.
While tipping wedding vendors is a meaningful way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the professionals who helped make your wedding day unforgettable, the best way to show appreciation to your vendor team is with a 5-star review on Google and any other directory sites they may use. 🙂
