Tipping Etiquette: Wedding Planners

Wedding planners go above and beyond to make your big day a success, so a tip is always appreciated. While not obligatory, it is considered an insult to the love and labour poured into your experience not to tip for a job well done. The amount you tip can vary depending on the service provided and your budget, but it usually ranges from $250 to $1000 or 10-15% of their fee. If you can't afford to tip, a thoughtful gift or a glowing review is always a nice way to express your gratitude.

How much to tip a wedding planner

Tipping your wedding planner is not mandatory but is always appreciated. The amount you tip can depend on a few factors, such as the quality of service, the cost of service, the time invested, and the number of team members. Here is a guide to help you determine how much to tip your wedding planner:

Percentage of the Total Package Price

One way to calculate the tip for your wedding planner is to give them a percentage of their total fee. It is generally recommended to tip 10% to 20% of their total package price. So, if your wedding planner charged you $5000 for their services, a tip of $500 to $1000 would be appropriate.

Lump-Sum Amount

Another approach is to give a lump-sum amount based on the level of service provided. This can range from $250 to $1000, depending on the scope of services rendered. For example, if your wedding planner handled all the details and ensured your big day ran smoothly, a tip on the higher end of this range would be fitting.

Gifts and Gift Cards

If you feel that a monetary tip is not feasible or prefer to give something more personal, you can opt for a thoughtful gift or gift card instead. This could be a nice way to show your appreciation, especially if your wedding planner owns their business and you are not required to tip them.

Tips for Assistants

Don't forget to consider tipping any assistants or helpers who worked alongside your wedding planner. A suitable amount for each assistant would be $50 to $150.

Timing of the Tip

You can choose to give the tip to your wedding planner at the end of the reception or send it to them in the days following the wedding. It is also a good idea to prepare your tips in advance and put them in labelled envelopes, making it easier for your wedding planner or a designated person to distribute them on the day of the wedding.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you should tip based on your budget and your satisfaction with the service provided.

When to tip a wedding planner

Tipping a wedding planner is not mandatory but is always appreciated. It is a way to show gratitude for their hard work and dedication. The amount you tip can vary depending on factors such as the level of service, the quality of service, the cost of the service, and the number of team members involved.

• At the End of the Reception: You can hand off the envelope with the tip to the wedding planner at the end of the reception. This is a common practice and ensures that the planner receives the appreciation they deserve for their hard work.
• After the Honeymoon: If you prefer, you can also send a thank-you note along with a check or gift right after the honeymoon. This gives you some time to reflect on the planner's service and express your gratitude in a more personalised way.
• Before the Wedding: If you want to ensure the wedding planner's services are exceptional, you can provide a tip before the wedding. This could be a way to motivate them to go above and beyond for your special day.
• Upon Arrival or After Services Rendered: If you are unsure about the quality of service, you can wait until the wedding planner arrives or completes their services before tipping. This allows you to assess their performance and decide on the amount accordingly.
• In the Days Following the Wedding: Tipping the wedding planner a few days after the wedding is also an option. This gives you some time to gather your thoughts and express your appreciation when you are less busy.

It is a good idea to check with the wedding planner about their preferred method and timing for receiving tips. This ensures a smooth transaction and satisfaction for both parties involved. Additionally, you can delegate the task of handing out tips to a trusted person, such as a wedding party member or a parent, especially if you are too busy on your special day.

Whether to tip a wedding planner who owns their business

Tipping a wedding planner who owns their business is not necessary, but it is a thoughtful gesture to show your appreciation for their hard work. While it is not required to tip business owners, small business owners in particular should be considered for tipping based on the quality of service.

If you feel that your wedding planner went above and beyond, a gratuity of 10-20% is certainly appreciated. This can be given at the end of the reception or sent as a thank-you note with a check or gift right after the honeymoon. You may also want to consider a thoughtful gift instead of a monetary tip, especially if your wedding planner is the owner of the business.

It is important to check your contract to ensure that gratuity is not already included in the price. Additionally, if you are unable to tip, writing a personal thank-you note or leaving a positive review on wedding planning websites is always appreciated.

How to show appreciation without tipping

Tipping is a common way to show appreciation to wedding planners, but it is not the only way. Here are some alternative ways to show gratitude without tipping:

Write a Thank You Note

A heartfelt, handwritten thank-you note is always appreciated and is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude. It can be sent after the wedding, along with a thoughtful gift, or even before the wedding as a way to show your appreciation in advance of the big day.

Leave Positive Reviews

Writing a public review for your wedding planner is an excellent way to show your appreciation and also help their business. Be sure to mention specific details about their services and the role they played in making your wedding day special. This will not only make them feel valued but also help prospective clients make informed decisions.

Offer a Gift or Gift Card

Instead of a monetary tip, consider giving your wedding planner a thoughtful gift or gift card. This could be something related to their interests or hobbies, or even a gift card to their favourite store or restaurant. It is a more personal way to show your appreciation while still providing some monetary value.

Prepare Gifts for their Assistants

If your wedding planner had assistants who also worked hard to make your day special, consider giving them small gifts or gift cards to show your appreciation. This could be something like a gift card to a coffee shop or a personalised item.

Be Thankful and Express Your Gratitude Verbally

Sometimes, a simple "thank you" is enough to show your appreciation. Make sure to tell your wedding planner how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. They may hear this often, but knowing that their work is valued and appreciated will mean a lot to them.

Remember, while tipping is a common way to show gratitude, it is not the only way. These alternative gestures can go a long way in expressing your appreciation and creating a memorable experience for both you and your wedding planner.

Whether to tip assistants and helpers

Whether or not to tip assistants and helpers at a wedding is a matter of ongoing debate. While some people believe that tipping is a polite way to express gratitude for a job well done, others argue that the price they charge for their services is enough, and they should not expect anything extra. However, it is generally agreed upon that tipping is a nice way to show appreciation for exceptional service.

When it comes to wedding planners specifically, it is common to tip them and their assistants if they have provided excellent service. Wedding planners often work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure your big day runs smoothly, and a tip is a great way to recognise their efforts. The amount you tip can vary depending on your budget and the level of service provided, but it is usually between $250 to $1,000 for the lead planner and $50 to $150 for each assistant. It is also acceptable to give a thoughtful gift instead of money, especially if the lead planner is the owner of the planning firm.

It is important to note that you should not feel obligated to tip if you cannot afford it or do not feel the service warranted it. A well-written thank-you note and a positive online review can also go a long way in expressing your appreciation. Additionally, always check your contracts before tipping to ensure that gratuity is not already included in the total fee.

Frequently asked questions