Many of our clients ask which of their wedding vendors to tip and how much is appropriate. Tips are certainly not mandatory, but always appreciated, and they should be given based on the quality of service you receive.
We have compiled a list of standard tipping practices for the various vendors at your wedding. It acts as a guideline when trying to determine what constitutes as an appropriate tip, but feel free to tip as you see fit.
Tips should be given in cash after the agreed upon services have been completed. Head to the bank for some crisp bills and organize the tips in envelopes ahead of time to help you keep track of everyone. Consider delegating someone else (like your wedding coordinator or parents) to hand them out on the wedding day, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Photographers & Videographers
$50-$200 per person
Catering Staff
Check your contract as gratuity is often included. If not, 15-20% of the total catering bill is appropriate.
If the service fee is not included, ask ahead of time how many attendants will be working your wedding and calculate on a per person basis.
Bartenders
Check your contract as gratuity is often included. If not, 10-20% of the total liquor bill, presented to the head bartender or divided equally among the total number of bartenders who worked the full evening.
DJs
$50-$150 per person
Reception Band
$20-$25 per musician
Transportation
Check your contract as gratuity might be included. If not, 15-20% of the total bill is appropriate.
Ceremony Officiant
Officiants through a church or synagogue usually provide their service for free, however, a donation of $100-$500 to the institution is normally given. Please inquire with your officiant for standard donation practices at their church.
For non-denominational officiants, a tip of $50-$100 is standard.
Ceremony Musicians
$15-$20 per musician
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist
15-25% for each stylist
Photobooth Attendant
$25-50 per person
Day Of Coordinator
We certainly don’t expect a tip, but if you feel inclined, standard tipping ranges from $50-$150 per person.
Full Service Wedding Planner
We certainly don’t expect a tip, but if you feel inclined, an appropriate tip would be up to $500 or a nice gift.
Florist
You might choose to tip the staff that delivers and sets up the flowers and/or the floral designer. Tip at your discretion, but you might consider anywhere from $20-$100.
Bakery
You might choose to tip the person that delivers and sets up your cake (or other dessert) and/or the person that baked and decorated your cake. Tip at your discretion, but you might consider anywhere from $20-$100.