One of the questions I see pop up the most in groups with brides is asking how much to tip wedding vendors. It’s a hard subject and hi, yes I am gonna tackle it! In a typical service industry, the expected tip when you go out to eat is 15-20%. So why would it be different in the wedding industry? BUT That would mean on a $20,000 wedding, that means you might be tipping an extra $4k (WHAT!?) Not everyone is able to have this happen so let’s break it down. Some vendors expect a tip, and others it’s just a nice end to a night of work. As much as tipping is AMAZING, there’s also a couple alternatives, that to be honest, mean more than money.
Below I’ll outline when it comes to money, but there’s a few vendors where there’s something that means a little bit more. When you’re looking for a wedding vendor, reading positive reviews online helped you to find out the quality of work you were to expect. So the best tip that you can give to your wedding vendors is a positive review. The main things you can put in your review are mostly your overall experience. This includes how your vendor might have gone above and beyond, how they made your day a little less stressful, and their timeliness. Make sure to use their first name so that it is personable. If you have photos, add them!
On top of writing a good review, you can also refer your vendors to your friends! A quick and easy thing is to make an instagram post and tag all your vendors in your caption. This allows friends to save that post and circle back to it when they need! People ask for reviews for vendors on facebook all the time. Take a minute to comment some of yours!
Caterers: Typically your contract should outline if gratuity is included. Sometimes it doesn’t. So like going to a restaurant you should tip 15-20% of your bill, or about $30-$40 per server.
Ceremony and reception staff: A tip is not expected, but $50-$100 each is nice.
DJ or Musicians: A tip is not expected but offering up 10-15% is a nice thank you after having to load and unload a ton of heavy equipment.
Hair and makeup artist: A tip is definitely expected. You should tip 15-20%, just as if you would if you were at the salon. You can give it to them after they’ve finished everyone in your party and you are paying.
Florist: A tip is not expected, but if they drop of your flowers and they killed your vision, a tip would be nice. $50-$200 with a nice thank you note would be great.
Photographer and videographer: A tip is not expected, but something small at the end of the night after they’ve worked for 10+ hours and only took 10 minutes to eat would be nice.Tipping $50-$300 is extremely nice, then if they have a second shooter, you can give the extra cash to the business owner and they will tip their assistant.
Officiant: Most officiants will take a donation to the church and if your officiant is non-denominational, a cool $100 will do.
Transportation: A 15 percent tip is optional if it isn’t included in the contract.
Wedding planner: A tip is not expected, but this person made your day possible, so a tip would be respectful. Cash and a thank you card is king. You can hand it to them at the end of your wedding, or mail it after the honeymoon.
Something I can’t stress enough is, DO NOT buy your vendors gifts. Photographers don’t need camera mugs, florists don’t need a new pair of shears. You also don’t know their preferences. Not every vendor drinks, not all women want lotions or skincare products. Spending your money on items as a thank you might seem personable, but to vendors it quite honestly is a waste of money. You’re better off putting that $20 in a nice thank you card with a handwritten note.
