Wedding Vendor Tips: How Much to Tip and When

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When working on your wedding budget, it’s important to think about the small details that could have a big effect. One line item that a lot of couples tend to forget about (but shouldn’t) is gratuity. While gratuity is not expected by everybody you work with for your wedding, it is customary to tip select vendors either 15-20% of their services or a suggest amount, outlined below. As a general rule of thumb, be sure to check your wedding contracts BEFORE tipping to make sure services don’t already include gratuity (such as your wedding catering). Also, don’t feel obliged to tip business owners (like your photographer or florist) who own their companies. Instead, consider these guidelines when it comes to wedding vendor tips.

Unless otherwise noted, most tips should be given after receiving the service (such as hair and makeup) or at the end of the ceremony or reception with a cash envelope handed out by your wedding planner, best man/maid of honor, or your parents if they are paying for the wedding. You may also choose to tip your vendors before the event if it’s more convenient for you or if you won’t see them at the end of the wedding.

Wedding Tipping Guide

Wedding Planner: No tip is necessary, but if they’ve brought along junior, less-experienced professionals, we suggest $50+ each. You can tip at the end of the wedding or with a Thank You note after your honeymoon.

Hair & Makeup: Pretend you’ve just gone to the salon. We suggest 15-20% on all services (this includes your bridesmaids if you’ve treated them), which should be tipped at the end of your service.

Florist: Not necessary, but if you absolutely loved them, consider $100 as a nice token of appreciation.

Officiant: A donation to the church or synagogue is an appropriate gesture. While they’ll appreciate anything, we advise $100+ on average (more if you have a personal relationship with them).

Photographers & Videographers: $100-200 for those that our part of a bigger organization (and again, if you have one photographer and they own their own business, a tip is optional). We suggest $50+ for a second crew and assistants, if applicable.

DJ/Band/Musicians: $25 -$50 each (up to $150 if it’s a one-man-show or DJ).

Waitstaff & Bartenders: 15% of the total bill, pre-tax. Don’t feel the need to tip individually, you can just provide this to the event manager who can distribute at the end of the night. However, be sure to check your contract to make sure the waitstaff and bartender gratuity isn’t already included in the service charge.

Event Manager/Catering Manager/Maitre d’: This is your man or woman of the evening, so tip generously (especially if you’ve received amazing service). We suggest $250-$500.

Transportation Drivers: Again, this could be included in your contract. If not, factor in 15%.

Valet: $1-$2 per car (more if the weather had them getting cars in the rain or snow).

Restroom & Coat Check Attendants: This may already be included in your venue contract. If not, we suggest $1-$2 per person.

Ad-hoc staff members, delivery, etc.: For those arriving early, leaving late and doing the heavy lifting, a few dollars here or there may make their day. $5-$20 per person is recommended, and can be distributed by your event manager.

Tell us WGM’ers! Have you included tips in your wedding budget?

Wedding Vendor Tips: How Much to Tip and When
Woman Getting Married.