Uh oh — the dreaded word, “tipping.” Not because you’re cheap or you don’t value a good tip, but because tipping can be SO awkward, especially when it comes to your wedding!
Who do I tip? When do I tip? What do I tip? Can I tip myself?!
There are no hard, concrete rules for tipping those that contribute so immensely to your big day, BUT there are some great guidelines you can apply when considering if and what to tip your vendors. Keep reading to find out more!
Here are a few “tips” we want to share with you before we dive into tipping amounts!
First off, you will want to review each of your vendor contracts and see if gratuity is already included in the fee.
Often times contracts will say “service charge“, but that is not necessarily always the same as gratuity. Service charges are most commonly added to catering invoices. It is best to always touch base with the catering company and see if the “service charge” includes a gratuity. If the gratuity is not included in the catering fees, just ask the head of catering or venue what a typical dollar amount is to tip. You can give the coordinator the amount to be tipped, and let them distribute it evenly throughout the waitstaff and bartenders.
Typically, if your wedding professional (planner, DJ, florist, etc.) is the owner of the business, it is NOT customary to tip. Why is this? The owner typically sets their wedding rates without the expectation of any tips.
You, your wedding planner, your personal attendant, or whomever is distributing your gratuities on the day of the wedding will LOVE YOU if you have each tip LABELED and placed into a SEALED envelope! It makes it so much easier for others to help distribute these tips for you on the wedding day if they aren’t having to guess which professional gets what.
BONUS: Stay away from labeling your envelopes with only the vendor’s first name. Always use the business name, too! The person handing these out probably doesn’t know your caterer by their first name!
If a gratuity is not in the budget, here are two things that go such a long way with any wedding pro:
- A nice thank you note showing your appreciation + a photo of you is one of the most rewarding things we as wedding professionals can receive.
- Another rewarding thing is a glowing review from you! Writing reviews on The Knot, Google, Websites, Emails, and Social Media platforms are free to do, and make a HUGE impact on your vendors!
Before we proceed, it is important to remember:
- Tipping is not expected; that is why it is a gratuity! If you’re grateful for those that went above and beyond, then tip them.
- Tipping looks different for everyone, and no wedding pro will ever be offended by any gift you give them.
- Tips do not always mean cash. Instead of money, a nice gift, gift card, thank-you note, photo of you on your wedding day, or glowing review will show your appreciation much more than a dollar amount!
Okay, let’s get into the heart of this conversation.
We have done the research and compiled a list of professionals and other people that contribute to your perfect day and general rules to follow when considering tipping. Here are the typical rates to tip each person:
Hair Stylists, Makeup Artists, Seamstresses | 15% – 20% of the total invoice
DJ, Band, or Entertainment | $50 – $150, depending on their time spent performing
Photographer or Videographer | $50 – $200 per person
Caterer or Bartenders | 15% – 20% of the total bill
Officiant | $50 – $100, or a donation to the church is sometimes appropriate, if applicable
Florist | 10% – 15% of the final bill or $50 – $100
Baker | $50 – $100
Transportation or Party Bus | 10% – 15% of the final bill or $50 – $100
Wedding Planner/Decorator | THIS IS NOT NECESSARY, but if you are really impressed by their work, $100 – $300
We hope this helps clear the air for you as you finalize your wedding day details!
If any of this gratuity and tipping talk was overwhelming, consider setting up a free consultation with one of Hitch Studio’s Certified Wedding Planners, or purchasing our Wedding Day Designer!
Happy Planning!