Which wedding vendors should you tip (and how much)? Here’s a cheat sheet for keeping track of wedding gratuities
Wedding Planner
Tipping your wedding planner is optional, and they likely won’t expect anything. But if you feel like you need to give them something, 10 to 20% up to $500 is standard, or a thoughtful gift would be a nice gesture.
Hair Stylist & Make-up Artist
Gratuity is expected, with 15-25% being the standard. Though, it’s a nice idea to add a little more if there is a crisis or last-minute redo.
Ceremony Officiant
Tipping usually depends on the officiant, but in general a donation of $100 – $500 to the church or synagogue is standard. An optional tip of $50 – $100 directly to the officiant is acceptable as well.
Ceremony & Reception Staff
Tipping staff is generally based on your contract. Check to see if service fees are included. If not, standard practice is 10-20% of the food or liquor bill to be split among waitstaff and bartenders.
Ceremony Musicians
Gratuity is optional, depending on the musicians. Typically, $15 – $20 per musician is the standard if you decide to tip.
Photographer & Videographer
The protocol for tipping photographers and videographers is optional. Usually, if they are the owner, you do not tip. Otherwise, $50 – $200 is acceptable.
Caterer
Check to see if your contract includes gratuity. If not, the standard tip is 15-20% percent of the total bill. Another option is to offer $50 – $100 for each chef and $20 – $50 per server.
Florist
Your florist likely won’t be expecting a tip, but if you are especially pleased with their work, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is a thoughtful gesture.
Reception Band or DJ
Tipping your reception entertainment is optional but generally preferred. The standard is $20-$25 per musician or $50-$150 for DJs.
Driver
Gratuity for drivers is usually included in the contract. If it isn’t included, 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the service, is the general rule.
Whether or not tipping is optional for your vendors, it’s always nice to send a hand-written thank you note. Other thoughtful gestures could be an email with a review they could add to their website or a glowing review on Yelp or similar sites. And, of course, referrals to friends and family are always welcome.
Written by Jackie Tucker
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