George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet stressful experience. There are many things to consider, from the guest list to the venue and decorations. It is important to start planning early to ensure you have your pick of venues and vendors, and to set a budget to keep track of costs. This budget should also include tips for vendors, which vary depending on the vendor's role and the scope of their involvement. To make the process less overwhelming, it is helpful to create a wedding checklist and timeline, and to ask friends and family for advice. It is also beneficial to prioritise your own enjoyment on the day, rather than worrying about whether your guests are having a good time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who to tip | Wedding planners, caterers, servers, bartenders, DJs, bands, musicians, seamstresses, tailors, attire fitters, transportation companies, hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers, videographers, delivery and setup staff, coordinators, assistants, drivers, and officiants |
| How much to tip | 15-20% of the total fee for wedding planners, 15-20% of the food bill for caterers, 15-20% for hairstylists; $20 or more for each server; 10-15% of the total bar tab for bartenders; 10-15% of the total bill for DJs; $20-$40 for seamstresses, tailors, and attire fitters; 15-20% for transportation companies; 15-20% for makeup artists; 5-10% of the total cost of service for photographers and videographers; $50-$150 for each second shooter and/or assistant; $10-$50 per person for delivery and setup staff; $100-$200 for a lead coordinator and $25-$50 for each assistant; $25-$50 for drivers; $100 tip for officiants |
| When to tip | At the end of the reception or in the days following the wedding |
| Other considerations | Tipping is not mandatory and should be given for excellent service; check contracts and invoices to avoid double-tipping as some vendors include service fees or gratuities in their contracts; tip in the local currency whenever possible; monetary tips are most common, but a thoughtful gift is also appreciated |
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What You'll Learn
- Wedding planning tips: create a checklist, outline a budget, pick a venue, and more
- Wedding day tips for the couple: morning rituals, mindfulness, and enjoying the day
- Tips for vendors: tipping guidelines for photographers, bartenders, officiants, etc
- Guest experience tips: making guests feel excited and relaxed, and assigning tasks to helpers
- Post-wedding tips: sending gifts to vendors, and arranging small gifts for the wedding party
Wedding planning tips: create a checklist, outline a budget, pick a venue, and more
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but creating a checklist, outlining a budget, and picking a venue are some essential steps to keep the process on track and ensure a memorable day.
Create a Checklist
A wedding planning checklist is a must-have to ensure nothing is missed. Break down the tasks into a structured, month-by-month timeline to make the process more manageable and enjoyable. Start with the larger tasks, such as determining a budget and choosing a venue, and work down to the smaller details. If your engagement is on the shorter side, condense the timeline and tackle the most important tasks first.
Outline a Budget
Before diving into the details, it's crucial to determine the financial bottom line. Figure out who is contributing financially and set a realistic budget. Prioritize the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you and allocate funds accordingly. Be prepared to make adjustments along the way, and consider using a spreadsheet to keep track of spending.
Pick a Venue
The wedding venue sets the tone for the entire event, so choosing the right location is essential. Consider the number of guests, the theme or style you want to achieve, and any specific requirements you may have. Visit and compare multiple venues, and don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure the space meets your needs.
Additional Tips
- Guest List: Consider your budget and the size of your venue when creating your guest list. A smaller guest list can help reduce costs and create a more intimate atmosphere.
- Wedding Favors: Opt for edible or practical favors that guests are more likely to use or consume. Personalize the favors with DIY stickers or labels to add a unique touch without breaking the bank.
- Drinks and Alcohol: Instead of a full bar, offer beer, wine, and a few signature cocktails that match your wedding theme. Pre-pour champagne for toasts to avoid waste.
- Tables and Linen: For an elegant look without the hassle of renting flatware, use premium disposable plates and flatware.
- Tipping: Don't forget to include tips in your budget. It is customary to tip wedding vendors, delivery and setup staff, hairstylists, and musicians.
Planning a wedding can be a challenging but exciting journey. By staying organized and flexible, you can create a memorable day that celebrates your love.
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Wedding day tips for the couple: morning rituals, mindfulness, and enjoying the day
The morning of your wedding day is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you stay grounded, mindful, and present so you can fully enjoy your special day.
Morning rituals
- Get a good night's sleep. With excitement and nerves running high, it may take you a little longer to fall asleep, so head to bed earlier than usual. You can also try a mindfulness app, fresh sheets, a calming playlist, and sleep mists to help you relax.
- Start your day with a warm bath. Light some candles and play chilled music to create a soothing atmosphere. This can help calm your mind and prepare you for the day ahead.
- Fuel up with a healthy breakfast. Opt for a protein-rich meal like eggs or a yogurt bowl with fresh fruit and granola. Avoid greasy, starchy, or sugary foods that can make you feel bloated or cause blood sugar spikes.
- Practice meditation or mindfulness. Take a few minutes to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and focus on your breath. This can help you release any anxiety and set a peaceful tone for the day. You can also try a guided meditation app or a short group meditation with your wedding party.
- Connect with your partner. Consider a private "first look" moment before the ceremony to share your emotions and connect intimately without distractions. This can help you feel grounded and close to each other.
- Delegate tasks to your wedding party or professionals. Assign trusted individuals to handle last-minute details, such as picking up lunch or coordinating transportation. This will lighten your load and allow you to focus on the moment.
- Prepare the night before. Confirm timelines for hair and makeup, and brief your bridal party to avoid confusion. Test any new beauty products to prevent last-minute reactions, and have essential items like a steamer, hairspray, and fashion tape on hand.
Mindfulness and enjoying the day
- Be present and grounded. Throughout the day, take moments to pause, breathe, and soak in the emotions. After the ceremony, find a quiet corner with your partner to reflect and savour the experience.
- Disconnect from technology. Keep your phone off or designate someone else to handle communications. By unplugging, you can be more present and engaged with your partner and guests.
- Savour the little moments. From the first dance to the signing of the registry, take time to embrace, share feelings, and look into each other's eyes. These intimate moments will create lasting memories.
- Embrace imperfections. Remember that the day may not be perfect, and that's okay. Focus on celebrating your love and the beautiful life you will build together beyond this one day.
- Express gratitude. Take a moment to acknowledge the love and support of your family and friends. Write down your thoughts and practice gratitude for your partner and the people who have come to celebrate with you.
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Tips for vendors: tipping guidelines for photographers, bartenders, officiants, etc
Tipping wedding vendors is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication to making your big day a success. While it is not mandatory, it is a kind and thoughtful way to thank them for their services. Here are some tipping guidelines for photographers, bartenders, officiants, and other vendors:
Photographers:
- Photographers are generally not required to be tipped if they own the studio. However, if they don't own the studio, consider giving them an extra $50 to $200 or a thoughtful gift.
- If there are multiple photographers, a tip of $50 to $100 for each additional photographer who doesn't own the business is appreciated.
- If you prefer to send a gift instead of a monetary tip, that is also acceptable. A gift allows the photographer to relive the memories they helped capture and enjoy something special related to the wedding.
Bartenders:
- Bartenders are typically tipped 10% to 15% of the total bar tab. This is a way to thank them for keeping the drinks flowing all night.
- If there is more than one bartender, you can adjust the tip amount accordingly.
Officiants:
- Officiants often do not accept tips, but a donation to their church or place of worship is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. A donation of around $100 is appropriate.
- If the officiant is non-denominational, consider giving them a tip of $100, especially if they are not charging a fee for their services.
Other Vendors:
- Catering Staff: Tips for catering staff are usually included in the service fee, but if not, a tip of 15% to 20% of the food bill is customary. Each server should receive at least $20.
- DJ or Band: Offer a tip of 10% to 15% of the total bill for the DJ or band. If there are musicians, a tip of $25 to $50 per band member is appropriate.
- Transportation: If you hire transportation services, a tip of 15% is customary if it is not included in the contract. This includes limo or bus services for the wedding party and guests.
- Hairstylists and Makeup Artists: A tip of 15% to 20% is expected for hairstylists and makeup artists, similar to a regular salon visit.
- Wedding Planner: While not mandatory, a tip of 10% to 20% is appreciated if you feel your wedding planner went above and beyond. For their assistants, a tip of $50 to $100 each is recommended.
- Delivery and Setup Staff: Tipping delivery and setup staff is customary, especially for those handling important items like the wedding cake, flowers, or sound system. A tip of $10 to $50 per person is appropriate.
To make tipping easier, prepare envelopes with the appropriate cash tips and give them to a trusted member of your bridal party to distribute throughout the event. Additionally, consider local tipping customs and traditions, and try to tip in the local currency whenever possible.
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Guest experience tips: making guests feel excited and relaxed, and assigning tasks to helpers
There are many ways to make your wedding guests feel excited and relaxed, from the pre-wedding preparations to the day itself. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Pre-Wedding
- Ensure your venue is comfortable and accessible. Consider the temperature, amount of personal space, and opportunities for guests to relax during the festivities.
- Make sure your guests know the dress code that will suit the occasion. For example, if it's a beach wedding, advise shades, sunscreen, and sandals, and choose an air-conditioned reception venue.
- Keep your diverse groups of guests in mind when planning the reception seating. Seat guests together with those they are likely to get along with.
- If you have guests travelling from abroad, ask a friend or family member to pick them up from the airport and bring them to their accommodation or the wedding venue.
On the Day
- Greet your guests and take photos with them. Make them feel appreciated and ensure they know you're glad they came.
- Ensure there is a seamless timeline and flow of events to avoid guests getting hungry or tired while waiting too long for the next part of the day.
- Provide clear signage and a seating chart to guide guests and make them feel informed about where they need to be and when.
- Offer welcome drinks or snacks upon arrival to set a relaxed and celebratory tone.
- Provide entertainment such as live music, singing waiters, circus performers, tribute bands, or even alpacas!
- Offer late-night snacks or a dessert table to keep energy levels high.
- Provide post-wedding transportation to ensure guests get home safely.
Assigning Tasks to Helpers
- Create a comprehensive checklist of items that need to be gathered and taken to the venue. Delegate the task of carefully sorting, packing, and checking off these items to a trusted friend or family member.
- Delegate tasks such as collecting and moving items before the wedding.
- If you need to borrow items like festoon or fairy lights, ask a friend to arrange this and untangle them.
- Ask a friend to take Polaroid-style pictures of each guest and provide an album to keep the photos safe.
- If you're having a cake table with treats brought by guests, assign a friend to organise the table, receive cakes, label bakes, and liaise with the venue regarding refrigeration.
- If you have musically-talented friends or family members, ask them to perform at your ceremony or during the celebrations.
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Post-wedding tips: sending gifts to vendors, and arranging small gifts for the wedding party
Post-wedding, it is customary to send gifts to your vendors and arrange small gifts for your wedding party as a thank you for their attendance and contributions to your special day.
Sending Gifts to Vendors
It is considered good etiquette to show gratitude to your wedding vendors. You can do this by offering a monetary tip or a thoughtful gift. If you are giving a cash tip, it is recommended to give between 5 and 20% of the total cost of the service. For example, for a wedding planner, it is recommended to tip 15-20% of the total fee, or a nice gift. For a lead coordinator, $100 to $200 is appropriate, and for assistant coordinators, $25 to $50. For delivery and setup staff, tip between $10 and $50 per person, and drop off cash envelopes the day before the wedding. For photographers, it is a nice gesture to send a gift once you have received your photos. A gift card to a local spa or coffee shop, along with a personalised thank you note, is a great way to express your appreciation.
Arranging Small Gifts for the Wedding Party
It is not customary to bring physical gifts to a wedding, and many couples today prefer monetary gifts or contributions to honeymoon funds. However, it is a thoughtful gesture to arrange small gifts for your wedding party, especially if they have travelled to attend. Welcome baskets or boxes with local treats, snacks, drinks, and personalised items are a great way to greet guests and make them feel special. You can also include items that are relevant to the season, such as apple cider in the fall, or a small map of the area. For a creative touch, you can include handmade fans, chocolates, or mini bottles of alcohol. For a more personal gift, you can include homemade treats, such as loaf cakes, or items that are significant to the couple, like a bottle of olive oil.
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Frequently asked questions
The average amount of money given as a wedding gift is around $100 to $150. However, the amount you give should depend on your budget and your relationship with the couple.
While giving cash is acceptable, it is not the only way to give money. You can also give a check or donate to a charity the couple supports. If you want to give stock or bonds, consider putting some ceremony around it, such as including a heartfelt card.
Many couples create a wishlist or registry of items they would like to receive as gifts. If the couple has a registry, anything from their registry is a good option. If they do not have a registry, you can give them an experience or something personalized and memorable.
Your wedding message should be heartfelt and tailored to the couple and your relationship with them. It should capture the tone of their love and the big day. It can be formal, casual, funny, whimsical, sentimental, sweet, or relaxed.
Here are some examples of wedding wishes:
- "Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness."
- "May your years ahead be filled with nothing but hugs and kisses."
- "May your love continue to thrive to infinity and beyond."
