Tips on Tipping Your Vendors
We know you've got questions!
Who do I tip? Do I HAVE to tip? How much do I tip? Can I just get them a gift instead?
We’re here to help take the awkwardness and guesswork out of gratuities! In many industries, including the wedding industry, tipping has become customary and oftentimes expected. However, at the end of the day, the goal is to show appreciation to your vendors for the work that they have done to make your special day a reality! If you keep that in mind and follow the guidelines we have below, tipping will become a more stress-free task! Keep in mind, we are here to help distribute those gratuities on your wedding day so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
CATERER
For catering, a tip of 15-20% of food costs is recommended. This percentage can be included right in the catering contract if you ask your caterer to add gratuity! Ask your catering contact or venue how the tips will be divided among the staff if you would like to tip them individually. Some couples still want to tip their Banquet Captain separately to make sure they receive a higher gratuity as a manager!
BARTENDERS
For bartenders, a tip of 15-20% of total liquor cost is recommended. This percentage can be included right in the contract if you ask them to add gratuity! If you would rather handle all tipping and not have a jar out at the bar, make sure to tell the vendor so they do not put one out and have their bartenders deny tips saying, “The couple have already taken care of us, but thank you.” Or you can also have a sign on the bar with the same information so your guests know they don’t need to tip!
MUSICIANS/DJ
For Musicians and DJs, a tip of 15-20% is recommended!
HAIRSTYLIST/MAKEUP ARTIST
For a hairstylist or makeup artist, a tip of 15-20% is recommended, just as it would be at the salon!
PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
For a photographer or videographer, a tip of 15-20% is recommended!
ON SITE COORDINATOR
For an on-site coordinator, tipping is not expected, but $75-$200, or a thoughtful gift and a nice Google review are always appreciated! Depending on your experience with them, feel free to adjust the amount for gratuity!
WEDDING PLANNER
For a wedding planner, up to a 20% tip or a nice gift is appreciated! A nice bottle of wine and a glowing review on Google and The Knot/Wedding Wire really make the best tip!!
RELIGIOUS OFFICIANT
For a religious officiant, tipping is not standard or expected, but a thoughtful gift or a $100 charitable donation to the house of worship is very acceptable!
NON-DENOMINATIONAL OFFICIANT
For a non-denominational officiant, a tip of $50-$100 is recommended!
PARKING VALETS
For a parking valet, a tip of 15-20% is recommended. However, you should first confirm that they will not be accepting tips from guests!
TRANSPORTATION
For transportation drivers, a tip of $50-$100 is recommended!
FLORIST
For the delivery drivers from the florist, a tip of $50 - $75 would be appreciated, but is not expected!
If your florist stays onsite through the event to move any arrangements, arches, or install hanging florals, a tip of $100-$150 would be appreciated!
RENTAL COMPANY
For the delivery drivers from the rental company, a tip of $50 - $75 would be appreciated, but is not expected!
