Weddings are magical, no doubt about that. But behind every dreamy celebration is a team of hardworking wedding vendors, ensuring your big day is flawless. From the DJ keeping the party going to the photographer capturing every candid smile, they work tirelessly to pull off your dream wedding.
But once the event wraps up, there’s one final piece of etiquette to consider—tipping. It’s a question many couples ask: how much should you tip wedding vendors? While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s definitely appreciated. Let’s break it down vendor by vendor, so you know exactly what’s fair.
Why tipping matters
Tipping isn’t just about adding a little extra on top. It’s a way to say, “Thank you for going above and beyond.” Many wedding vendors rely on tips as part of their income. Sure, they’ve already been paid for their services, but when they exceed expectations—and let’s face it, they often do—offering a tip is a kind gesture.
How much to tip wedding vendors: A general guideline
There’s no hard-and-fast rule for how much to tip wedding vendors, but some general guidelines exist. You don’t want to feel stressed trying to figure out percentages on your wedding day. Instead, have this sorted out ahead of time.
Wedding planner
Typically, wedding planners don’t expect tips. However, if yours has gone above and beyond, a gratuity of 10%-20% of their fee is generous. Alternatively, you could give them a thoughtful gift as a thank you.
Photographer and videographer
These vendors spend hours documenting your special moments. A tip of $50-$200 per shooter, depending on the size of the team and the effort they’ve put in, is a solid range.
Caterer
If gratuity isn’t included in your catering bill (check your contract!), tipping 15%-20% of the total food bill is customary. For the waitstaff and bartenders, $20-$50 per person works well.
DJ or band
These entertainers keep your wedding reception lively, so tipping them $50-$200 each is an excellent way to show your appreciation.
Officiant
If your wedding officiant is affiliated with a church or another religious organization, a $100-$300 donation to the institution is appropriate. If you’ve hired a professional officiant, $50-$100 is common.
Hair and makeup artists
You want to look your best on your big day, and these hair and makeup artists make it happen. A tip of 15%-25% of their total fee works well.
Florist
Florists don’t generally expect tips, but if yours has created a floral masterpiece beyond your expectations, $50-$100 is a lovely gesture.
Delivery and setup staff
Whether it’s the folks setting up chairs or delivering your cake, tipping these behind-the-scenes wedding vendors around $10-$25 per person shows you recognize their hard work.
Timing your tips
You don’t want to hand out cash in your wedding gown, right? Prepare your tips ahead of time, place them in labelled envelopes, and assign someone you trust—like your best man or maid of honour—to distribute them. Most tips are given out at the end of the event or after the vendor has finished their service. For example, hair and makeup artists should receive theirs after beautifying you. The DJ or band members usually get tipped at the end of the reception.
When not to tip
You might not need to tip that vendor if your contract includes a service charge. A service charge often covers tipping, but it’s always worth double-checking. You don’t want to double-tip! However, if someone has truly gone above and beyond their duties—maybe the photographer stayed an extra hour without asking for payment—it’s nice to offer something extra.
What if you’re on a budget?
If you’re feeling a little stretched when it comes to tipping your wedding vendors, don’t panic. While tips are appreciated, they’re not required. Instead, consider writing heartfelt thank-you notes or leaving glowing reviews online. Many vendors value these kinds of acknowledgements just as much (sometimes more) than a tip. Plus, kind words can lead to future business for them.
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