Wedding Bells and Bills: 5 Tips for Wedding Tipping

There’s a seemingly endless list of expenses to consider when planning a wedding. One thing often overlooked is allotting room in your budget for tips. Tipping offers an excellent way to show appreciation for the professionals who contribute to your special day. Is it mandatory?

How much is the standard tip per supplier? Discover strategies that’ll help you show gratitude while staying within your budget.

Is It Mandatory to Tip Wedding Vendors?

Tipping is a voluntary gesture of appreciation for excellent service. It’s not an obligation, so no one can legally force you to tip.

However, while it’s not mandatory, it is considered a standard practice. Think of it as a way to say “thank you” to your suppliers for their hard work and commitment to making your big day memorable. A generous tip will be appreciated if you’re delighted with the supplier’s work and can afford it.

5 Tips for Tipping Your Suppliers

Tipping might sound overwhelming, especially when you’ve already spent thousands of dollars making your dream wedding come true. However, with careful planning, you’ll realize it’s more manageable than you thought. Take note of these tipping etiquettes.

1. Have a Plan

Create a list of wedding vendors with your wedding planner. Your wedding planner is responsible for communicating with vendors. They’ve worked with many couples and vendors before, so they may have insightful advice on tipping. After finalizing your plan, think about when and how to tip, and have the cash or checks prepared if you’ll be tipping on your wedding day.

2. Check Your Contract

Some vendors — especially caterers and venues — have a mandatory service charge, gratuity fee and a recommended percentage tip for the waitstaff. Check your contract and see if the total fee already covers these items. While service charges aren’t tips, knowing the inclusive charges will give you an idea of what size tip you should provide.

3. Know the Recommended Tip Amounts

The standard tipping fee depends on the vendor, the type of service and the contract details. Here’s a quick rundown of the standard tips per vendor:

• Waitstaff or servers: You can tip up to 20% of the total bill. Give the tip to your point of contact and ask it to be split among the servers. Extend the tip at the end of the reception or during setup to encourage excellent service throughout the night.
• Bartenders: Bartending services are usually included in the caterer’s package, which means gratuity is often included in the bill. If you hire the bartender separately, consider tipping around 10% of the bill and giving it at the end of the reception.
• Hair and makeup artists: A 15% tip is appropriate, just like you’d give at the salon. Extend the gratuity after the services have been rendered before departing for the ceremony or reception.
• Musicians: Any amount between $50 and $150 should suffice for a wedding DJ, but the final amount will depend on the total service cost. If hiring a wedding band, consider how many members will be present on your wedding day. You can tip around $25 to $50 per band member, including sound technicians. Give the tip at the end of the reception.
• Officiant: If your officiant is a clergy member, it may be impossible to tip them directly, but a $100 donation should suffice. For non-clergy, a tip between $50 and $100 should work. You can extend the tip either the day before your big day or after the ceremony.
• Photographer and videographer: Tipping photographers and videographers is not mandatory. However, if they don’t own a studio, consider giving any amount between $50 and $200 to show your appreciation for their work. You can even send a sentimental gift after your honeymoon.
• Delivery staff: People delivering cake, chairs, flowers and wedding decorations deserve appreciation, too. Tip around $10 to $20 per delivery, depending on the service and effort they provide. Give the gratuity immediately after each drop-off.

4. Know Who Doesn’t Require Tips

Business owners of large companies usually don’t expect tips, but you can tip them when they’ve exceeded your expectations. Small business owners also deserve appreciation since they typically operate alone or with a few people.

5. Assign Tipping to Someone

Put someone in charge of dispersing tips on or before your big day. Assign the task to a wedding party member, such as the maid of honor or best man, whose primary duty is encouraging people to have fun and ensuring the reception runs smoothly.

Alternatives to Tipping

If your budget is tight, but you want to thank your vendors, consider these tip alternatives that won’t cost you a dollar:

Allow your vendors to enjoy a few drinks from the bar. Treat them as your guests, too.
Refuse to haggle with your suppliers for discounts.
Submit your wedding photos and reviews to online wedding groups and publications.
Provide your vendors with the same meal as your guests.
Write a positive review on their Facebook pages and Google Business Profiles.
Recommend them to your friends and family.
Write a blog post or film a video showing the vendor’s exemplary service.

Appreciate Your Vendors

Tipping is a gesture that could go a long way in showing your support and appreciation. While it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended. You can also show your support by taking a moment to acknowledge their hard work through online reviews and word-of-mouth.

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

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