Your Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors
Planning a wedding involves many details, and one aspect that can be confusing is knowing how to appropriately tip your vendors. While tipping is never mandatory, it is a nice way to show your appreciation for excellent service. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate tipping for all your wedding vendors.
Catering Servers
Catering and Servers: At a minimum, tip between $20 to $100 per person for service staff—or take a lump-sum approach and base your tips on 15-20% of the overall contract, delivering a single amount to the manager to distribute. Make sure to ask your coordinator how many servers will be at your wedding.
Venue Manager/Coordinator
Venue Manager/Coordinator: If your venue manager has gone above and beyond, a tip of $100-$200 is appreciated.
Wedding Coordinator/Planner
Coordinator/Planner: A tip of 10-20% of their fee or $100-$500 is a good rule of thumb, especially if they've handled every detail seamlessly.
DJ/Band
DJ: $50-$200 depending on the length of the event and the level of service.
Band Members: $20-$50 per musician if gratuity is not included in the contract.
Florist
Florist Delivery Staff: If the florist has provided exceptional service, consider tipping the delivery staff $10-$20 per person.
Photographer/Videographer
Photographer: If they own their business, a tip is not necessary but appreciated. Otherwise, $50-$200 depending on their service and the duration of the event.
Second Shooter/Assistant: $50-$100 is a good guideline.
Additional Tips
Hair and Makeup Artists: 15-20% of their fee, just like you would at a salon.
Transportation Drivers: 15-20% of the total bill, especially if they’ve navigated tricky logistics.
Remember, tipping is a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service. If a vendor has truly made your day special, a tip is a wonderful way to thank them. Always check your contracts first, as some gratuities may already be included. Happy planning!
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