Etiquette of Tipping Vendors

Just when you think you finally have the wedding costs under control and paid for, your wedding day arrives. And you realize that you forgot to account for tipping your vendors on the day of the wedding. The day is such a blur that it can be incredibly difficult to decide in the moment which vendors you should tip and how much you should tip. Not to mention, it's likely that you didn't hit up the ATM on your way to the ceremony.

I know. I know. No one wants to read an advice blog that encourages you to spend more money after you have undoubtedly spent thousands of precious dollars. On the other hand, your wedding day is nonexistent without the commitment, expertise and efforts of each and every one of your vendors. The successful execution of your once-in-a-lifetime wedding is dependent on your vendors. So while I understand you have already paid a considerable amount of money for each and every one of them, rewarding them for outstanding service goes a long ways with service-oriented people. 

Who Should You Tip?

As a general rule, feel free to tip ALL of your vendors if you feel their service exceeded your expectations. Fifteen to 18 percent is standard, and as I said, anything you choose to give will be appreciated. 

Transportation Drivers

Review your contract with your transportation company whether you rent a bus, carriage or limo to understand the gratuity policy. Often times, gratuity is already figured into the final bill. If not, the standard is to tip 15 to 20 percent of the total cost. Plan to tip your driver in cash when he drops you off at your final destination.

Photographers and Videographers

​When these types of vendors own their own business, tipping is not necessary. In these cases, the vendors have control over setting their prices. If the photographer or videographer is part of a larger entity, tipping them $20-$50 is standard. Of course, even if these vendors do run their own enterprise, feel free to tip them for excellent service. 

Disc Jockey's or Band

This is optional, dependent upon if you reserve through a company or an independent DJ or band. If it's an independent vendor, tipping is not typical. If you hire through an agency, there may be a gratuity clause in the contract. If not, plan to tip each musician or band member at least $20-25 dollars and at least $25-50 for your DJ at the end of the night. And don't forget about your ceremony musician(s)!

Wedding Officiant

You don't necessarily "tip" your religious officiant, but it is recommended to make a "donation" toward their place of worship, charity or organization of choice. It's a special way to say "thank you" without handing your priest or minister cash which is considered inappropriate.  A standard donation is $100 beyond your ceremony fee. 

Florist

The florist tipping procedure follows the procedure that you would follow for vendors who own their business. It's not standard to tip the owner of a floral business. Again, feel free to tip for exceptional service. 

Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist

The tipping protocol for your stylist or artist is no different than it is for a regular beauty appointment, which is generally 15 to 20 percent. In this case, you do not necessarily have to tip in cash, but you can add it to your final charge.

Catering Staff

Review your venue/catering contract for the gratuity policy. You may find that the company includes gratuity in the contract. If you aren't sure, ask your catering or venue contact. If gratuity is not included in your final cost, as a general rule, all service staff should be tipped. A good rule of thumb to follow is to tip at least 15 percent of your catering bill. You can then deliver the tip to the manager on duty in an envelope and have him or her distribute the tips to service staff. Otherwise, you can also plan to tip about $20 per server and bartender.

Delivery Staff

For the people delivering your cake, flowers, or other necessities, plan to tip at least $5 in cash to each delivery person.

This may sound a bit overwhelming, especially on top of the costs you have already incurred. However, if you incorporate the gratuity costs up front, it's not nearly as intensive! During the week of your wedding, create envelopes with the names of your vendors on the front. In each envelope, include the appropriate cash amount and a brief thank you.