Lyla Dejesus
Tipping wedding vendors is common practice, and it's important to budget for this in advance. While it's not mandatory, it's a way to express gratitude to the staff who contributed to your big day. This includes the wedding planner, photographer, videographer, DJ, band, catering staff, drivers, and venue staff. Tips can range from $5 to $500, or a percentage of the contract cost, and are usually given at the end of the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who to tip | Wedding planners, makeup artists, venue coordinators, waitstaff, valets, photographers, videographers, DJs, bands, bartenders, shuttle drivers, catering staff, hairstylists, nail technicians, delivery people, officiants, clergy or judges |
| How much to tip | $20- $100 depending on the service and time spent working together before the wedding; $50-$150 for DJs; $25-$50 per band member; $10-$20 per delivery person; $20 per artist for hair/makeup; $20 per catering staff member; $50 per bartender; $100-$300 each for the Catering/Banquet Manager and Head Waiter; $50-$100 for the Head Chef; $20 each for the wait staff and kitchen staff; 15–20% of the total fee for wedding planners; 15-20% of the food and beverage cost for catering staff; 15-20% of the pre-tax total for transportation companies; 5-15% of the videography contract; 10%–20%, or up to $500 for officiants |
| When to tip | Before or after the ceremony; at the end of the reception; after the honeymoon; during the last fitting; after receiving photos or videos; after the final ride of the evening |
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What You'll Learn
How much to tip wedding reception staff
Tipping wedding vendors is a great way to express gratitude for their services. While it is not mandatory, it is appreciated. The standard amount for tipping most vendors is between 15-20% of the total cost of the service. This includes catering staff, transportation, musicians, coordinators, and hair and makeup artists, among others.
For wedding planners or coordinators, the recommended tip is between 15-20% of the total fee. This can be given as cash in an envelope at the end of the reception or sent as a thank-you note with a cheque or gift after the honeymoon.
For catering staff, a tip of 15-20% of the total food and beverage cost is recommended, unless it is already included in the bill. This should be divided amongst the servers and staff.
For wedding bands, a tip of $25-$50 per band member is suggested. The bandleader can divide a lump sum among the band members, or individual envelopes can be given to each person.
For photographers, a tip of 5-10% of the total cost of the service is generally recommended. For videographers, a tip of 5-15% of the contract or $50-$200 per team member is suggested.
For bartenders, shuttle drivers, DJs, and other similar vendors, a fixed amount tip between $20 and $100 is appropriate, depending on the service and the amount of time spent working with them before the wedding.
It is important to note that tipping is not customary for business owners, as they set their prices. Instead, thank-you cards and positive online reviews can be given.
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When to tip wedding reception staff
Tipping wedding reception staff is customary, and it is best to plan this ahead of time to ensure you have the cash or cheques ready to give to the vendors on the day. It is also a good idea to budget for tips when planning your wedding.
Wedding planners, photographers, and videographers often expect a tip or a gift, especially if they are not the business owners. It is also common to tip the catering staff, bartenders, shuttle drivers, DJs, and musicians.
The amount you tip is up to you, but recommendations range from $20 to $100 per person, depending on the service and the time spent with them leading up to the wedding. For example, $20 per artist for hair and makeup artists, $50 to $150 for a DJ, and $25 to $50 per band member. For catering staff, it is recommended to tip 15% to 20% of the total food and beverage cost, unless it is already included in the bill.
The timing of the tip can vary, but it is generally considered polite to tip at the end of the reception or after the service has been rendered. For example, you could give a lump sum to the bandleader to divide among the band members or individual envelopes to each person. You could also give a cash envelope to the hotel's front desk staff to be split between the wait staff working that night.
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Who not to tip
While it is customary to tip wedding vendors, there are some people you may not need to tip. This includes business owners, such as photographers, planners, or florists. However, if they have gone above and beyond, you may want to consider tipping them as a way to express your gratitude.
It is also important to note that gratuity is often included in the contract for caterers, bartenders, and venue staff. Therefore, you should carefully review your contract before tipping these individuals. If gratuity is included, you may still wish to give a small token of appreciation, such as a thank-you card or a gift.
Additionally, tipping wedding bands and DJs is optional. If you do choose to tip them, it is recommended to give $25 to $50 per band member and $50 to $150 for DJs.
Finally, while wedding planners can be tipped, it is not mandatory. Some couples choose to give a gratuity of 10% to 20% or up to $500, while others opt for a thoughtful gift, such as a wedding photo.
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Tipping wedding reception staff vs. business owners
Tipping wedding vendors is a thoughtful way to express gratitude for their services. While it is not obligatory, it is generally expected, especially if the vendor has provided exceptional service. It is important to note that tipping wedding reception staff and business owners is handled differently.
When it comes to wedding reception staff, it is common to tip employees such as catering staff, waitstaff, bartenders, drivers, and venue coordinators. The recommended tipping amount varies depending on the vendor and the level of service provided. For example, for a wedding band, it is recommended to tip each band member and any sound technicians $25 to $50. In the case of wedding DJs, a tip of $50 to $150 is generally appropriate. For catering staff, a tip of 15% to 20% of the total food and beverage cost is customary, unless it is already included in the bill. This gratuity should be distributed among the servers and other staff involved.
On the other hand, tipping business owners is handled differently. Traditionally, business owners of larger companies are not expected to receive tips, and only their employees are tipped. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a business owner, such as a photographer, goes above and beyond and provides exceptional service, it is appropriate and encouraged to offer a tip or a small gift. In the case of small business owners, especially those who are the sole proprietors, tipping is appreciated and should not be overlooked.
It is worth noting that some contracts may already include gratuity, so it is important to carefully review the contracts before deciding on the tipping amounts. Additionally, it is recommended to prepare cash or checks in advance for vendors who will be tipped on the day of the wedding to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Ultimately, the decision to tip and the amount to give are at the sole discretion of the couple. While tipping is not required, it is a kind gesture to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the wedding vendors.
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Alternatives to tipping
While monetary tips are the most common way to thank wedding staff, they are not the only way to show your appreciation. Here are some alternatives to tipping:
- Gifts: A thoughtful gift is always appreciated. This could be a physical gift, such as a token of appreciation or a thank-you note, or even a gift card. You could also send gifts after receiving your photos or videos as a way to show your gratitude. These gifts don't have to be expensive; they can be local goods from your hometown or even homemade items.
- Meals: While not a replacement for tipping, providing a good vendor meal is an important way to take care of your wedding staff.
- Online reviews: In addition to tipping or giving gifts, you can show your appreciation by leaving positive online reviews for your wedding vendors.
- Thank-you cards: Sending a thank-you card after the wedding is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude. You can include a check or gift card along with your thanks.
- Destination-specific considerations: If you're having a destination wedding, be aware that tipping traditions can vary from country to country. In some countries, like Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, tipping is not mandatory but may be expected as it represents a significant part of the employees' income. At all-inclusive resorts, tips are often included, but you may want to give extra to individuals who went above and beyond.
- Factor it into the contract: If you're concerned about remembering to tip everyone and staying within your budget, you can build gratuity into your contracts with vendors. For example, you can include gratuity in your contract with caterers and ask that it be distributed to the servers and staff involved in your event.
Remember, while tipping is a common way to show gratitude, it's not the only way. You can get creative and personalize your expressions of appreciation to fit your wedding staff and your budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Tipping wedding reception staff is expected, but not mandatory. It is a thoughtful way to express gratitude for their services.
It is recommended to tip $20 to $50 per staff member. This can be given as individual envelopes or as a lump sum to be divided among the staff.
Tips should be given at the end of the reception, before the photography and videography teams depart.
