Deborah Chan
Tipping wedding vendors is a common practice, but it can be confusing to know which vendors to tip and how much. While some couples choose to tip all their vendors, others prefer to tip only those who go above and beyond. It's important to check your contracts and invoices, as some vendors include gratuities in their total cost, especially caterers and transportation companies. If gratuities are not included, it's a kind gesture to tip vendors who provide excellent service, such as bartenders, servers, photographers, and DJs. The amount you tip can vary depending on your budget and location, with percentages ranging from 15% to 25%. To stay organized, prepare your tips in labelled envelopes and assign a reliable wedding party member to distribute them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tipping vendors | DJ, bartenders, servers, photographer, hair and makeup artist |
| Not tipping vendors | Business owners, including photographers, DJs, and MUAs |
| Tipping practices | 15-20% of food and drink fees to be split among waitstaff and bartenders; $200-$300 for the maître d'; $200 to the DJ; $200 to the photographer; $200 to the coordinator; $25-$50 for transportation drivers |
| Other ways to show appreciation | Writing a public review, sending a thank-you note, referring vendors to engaged friends |
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What You'll Learn
Tipping wedding photographers
If you do decide to tip your wedding photographer, it is a good idea to prepare your tip in advance. You can put cash in an envelope, and assign a trusted family member, friend, or wedding coordinator to hand it over at the end of their shift. Some sources suggest a tip of $50–$200 for a wedding photographer, while others recommend a percentage of about 5–15% of the total amount paid, minus any tax. A 10% tip on the photographer's rate is also considered a good measure, or a tip of at least $100. For second shooters and photography assistants, a $50–$75 tip per person is considered appropriate and a nice gesture.
If you are unsure about tipping, there are other ways to show your appreciation. You could write a public review for your photographer, which can be incredibly helpful for small businesses and for future brides and grooms when planning their weddings. You could also buy prints from your photographer, which is a great way to show your gratitude while also investing in a worthwhile memento of your special day.
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Limo or shuttle drivers
Tipping wedding vendors is a great way to show your appreciation for their services and thank them for their hard work. Limo or shuttle drivers often go above and beyond to ensure your day is special, so it is customary to tip them.
Firstly, check your contract, as gratuity may be included. If it is, you can still tip extra if you feel the driver has provided an exceptional service. If it isn't included, plan to tip, provided they show up on time, are polite, and get you to the venue smoothly and safely.
The standard tip for limo or shuttle drivers is 15-20% of the total bill. For example, if you are paying $700 for a limo, a 15% tip would be $105, and 20% would be $140. You could also give a $50 tip per driver, or tip $100 for 5 hours of limo use. If you are requiring additional services, such as extra stops or specific beverages, you may want to increase the tip.
You can prepare your tips in advance by putting them in labelled envelopes, and designating someone to hand them out at the end of the night or after the last ride.
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Bartenders and waitstaff
Tipping etiquette can be tricky, and it is important to consider your budget. It is recommended to tip bartenders and waitstaff 15-20% of the total food and beverage cost, unless it is already included in your bill. This amount can be given to the catering manager to distribute among the staff, or you can choose to give it to them personally. It is also a good idea to prepare your tips ahead of time, putting them in labelled envelopes, so that a coordinator can handle the day-of payments.
The amount you tip may also depend on the location of your wedding and the number of guests. For example, in places where weddings are exorbitantly expensive, like NYC, tipping 20% for each vendor could be a budget concern. In this case, it may be more reasonable to tip a smaller amount, like $100 or $200, or a lower percentage, such as 10%.
It is also worth noting that tipping is not always expected, especially if there is a tip jar available for guests to contribute to throughout the night. If there is no tip jar, it is customary to tip at the end of the reception, confirming that the bartender has not already accepted tips from your guests.
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Wedding coordinators
Tipping wedding coordinators is encouraged, but not required. It is recommended to tip wedding coordinators 10-20% of the total fee, depending on the level of service provided. If your coordinator went above and beyond, a 20% tip on their rate is appropriate.
If you hired your wedding coordinator outright and they are the only person you have worked with, that is the person you should tip. However, if your coordinator is the owner of the business, a tip is not expected as they have likely set the price they think is appropriate for their services. If your coordinator was assigned to you by a larger wedding planning organisation or wedding venue, you should tip the coordinator you worked with directly.
It is a good idea to prepare your tips in advance by putting cash in labelled envelopes, which your wedding coordinator can then distribute on the day of the wedding. Alternatively, you can give your wedding coordinator the envelope at the end of the reception or send a thank-you note with a check or gift after the honeymoon.
While tipping is a great way to show your appreciation, it is not the only way. Writing a positive review can also be extremely beneficial to wedding vendors, especially if it is on a site like The Knot.
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Florists
Tipping your wedding vendors is a great way to show your appreciation for their services. While it is not mandatory, it is a thoughtful gesture that can make a big difference, especially for small businesses.
When it comes to tipping florists, it is generally not expected, but it is always appreciated. If you are happy with the service provided and want to express your gratitude, consider giving them a tip. The amount you tip is entirely up to you and can vary depending on your budget and the level of service received. Some people suggest tipping florists a flat rate of around $50 to $400, while others suggest a percentage of the total bill, typically ranging from 15% to 20%.
It is recommended to prepare your tips in advance and place them in labelled envelopes, which can then be distributed by your wedding coordinator or planner. This ensures that your tips do not get lost in the shuffle on your wedding day. Additionally, writing a thoughtful review or leaving a thank-you card can also be a meaningful way to show your appreciation.
If your florist is a business owner or self-employed, you may choose not to tip them, as they set their own prices. However, if they go above and beyond your expectations, you may want to consider a tip or a thoughtful gift to show your gratitude.
Remember, the most important thing is to express your gratitude and show your appreciation for their hard work in a way that feels comfortable for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Rental companies (apart from the delivery and setup team).
Bartenders, servers, caterers, drivers, and assistants.
It depends on the location and services. In the US, tipping wedding vendors can be up to 25% of your budget. For transportation drivers, 15% is a generous amount. For cater staff and bartenders, $15-$30 is a typical tip. For wedding coordinators, 10-15% is acceptable, and $20-35 for assistants. For photographers, $50-200 is a generous amount.
Prepare your tips ahead of time and put them in labeled envelopes. Give the job of paying the tips to the most responsible member of your bridal party, who can distribute them over the course of the event.
Yes, you can write a public review for each of your vendors or send them a thank-you note. You can also refer them to your engaged friends.
