From the hair and makeup artist who gets you ready in the morning, to the DJ playing your favorite tunes late into the night, who exactly should you tip? And how much should you tip? We're here to provide much-needed tipping clarity. This wedding tipping guide outlines who to tip and how much to give, so you can show your appreciation in the most appropriate way. 

Why should you tip your wedding vendors?

First, it’s important to understand why tipping is customary at weddings. Tipping is a way to show gratitude to the people who give their best to make your day special. It also helps to offset their costs – especially since weddings can be expensive for vendors! 

The amount you choose to tip your wedding vendors should reflect your satisfaction with the services provided. A good rule of thumb is to estimate 10-20% of the total bill for each vendor. If you’re happy with the service and would like to show more appreciation, feel free to increase the gratuity accordingly. And if you’re ever unsure of how much to tip, it’s best to err on the side of generosity – your vendors will be sure to appreciate it! 

To avoid financial surprises as the big day approaches:

1. Start budgeting for gratuity right away.
2. Factor how much to tip wedding vendors into your decision-making process when you hire vendors' services and determine who to tip at your wedding.
3. Then, establish an amount that will fit within your allocated budget for each of them.
   
   

Who do you tip at a wedding?

Do you tip your wedding photographer? Do you tip the DJ at a wedding? Though a definitive wedding tipping handbook has yet to be written, you can take note of tipping etiquette standards.

For instance, it’s customary to tip wedding vendors who will be doing a lot of heavy lifting on the day of your event. Some vendors typically include gratuity in their contracts, so be sure to double-check. 

Below is a list of the professionals you might want to consider tipping. Note that the gratuity amounts in this wedding tipping guide are simply suggestions. If they’re beyond your budget, remember that you can also express gratitude with a token or by leaving positive reviews and spreading word-of-mouth referrals. The important thing is to recognize the hard work they’re doing to make your big day run smoothly. (Tip: Professional photos for your vendors' portfolios are always appreciated.)

SUGGESTED GRATUITY - BY VENDOR

Hair and Makeup Artist

Tipping protocol: Expected
How much to tip: 20% of the bill
When to tip: Give gratuity directly, at the end of your service.

OFFICIANT

Tipping protocol: Expected
How much to tip: $50-$100, or a $100-$500 donation to their church or organization if they are a member of the clergy and can’t accept gratuity. If a friend is officiating, a gift would be appropriate.
When to tip: Give gratuity before the ceremony.

catering team

Tipping protocol: Expected, but check your contract
How much to tip: 10–20% of the bill to be split among the team
When to tip: Give gratuity to the manager in a card or envelope at the end of the event. 

BARTENDERS

Tipping protocol: Expected
How much to tip: $20–$50 per bartender or 10–20% of the alcohol bill
When to tip: At the end of the event, give gratuity directly to each bartender.

CHAUFFEURS OR DRIVERS

Tipping protocol: Expected, but check your contract
How much to tip: 15-20% of the bill
When to tip: After their services are completed.

BAND OR DJ

Tipping protocol: Optional
How much to tip: 10-15% of their fee or $25-$50 per musician; $200-$500 for DJs
When to tip: Give gratuity directly to the leader of the band or DJ at the end of the event.

photographer and videographer

Tipping protocol: Optional
How much to tip: 5-10% of their fee. Alternatively, you can send a gift once you’ve received your photos/video back.
When to tip: Give gratuity directly at the end of the event or after you’ve received your photos/video

florist

Tipping protocol: Optional
How much to tip: 10% of the bill, or $50-$100 per person setting up
When to tip: Upon delivery/setup or at the end of the reception.

DELIVERY and set-up team

Tipping protocol: Expected
How much to tip: $10–$20 per person
When to tip: Upon delivery. The person accepting deliveries can distribute the tip – just give them the cash envelopes the day before.

venue team

Tipping protocol: Expected, but check your contract
How much to tip: $20–$50 per staff member or $100-$200 given to the manager or captain to divide among the workers.
When to tip: Drop off cash envelopes the day before the wedding for them to distribute. Make sure that workers are instructed to decline tips from guests.

onsite coordinator

Tipping protocol: Optional
How much to tip: $50–$100 or 10-15% of their fee
When to tip: At the end of the reception or after the honeymoon.

planner/coordinator

Tipping protocol: Optional
How much to tip: 10–12% of their fee or a gift
When to tip: At the end of the reception or right after the honeymoon

How should you tip?

Cash is always a good idea, as it's the easiest form of payment and can be distributed quickly. However, you can also give a check, especially if you’re sending your tips in the mail after the wedding or honeymoon. Just make sure that each tip is placed in a separate, labeled envelope with the vendor's name written on it.

You can delegate the task of handing out tips to your wedding planner or a trusted member of your wedding party (often the mother of the bride or maid of honor/best man) just provide them with the envelopes in advance. This way, they can take care of it while you’re busy getting ready for the ceremony or relaxing on your honeymoon.

Remember: tipping is voluntary

At Wedgewood Weddings, we believe that tipping should truly be based on how satisfied you are with the services you received. But if you’re really happy with an individual or team of professionals who worked hard to make your day special, giving them a token of appreciation for their efforts is a great way to show your gratitude.

Still in the process of assembling your wedding team? With tens of thousands of weddings under our belt, you can rest assured that Wedgewood Weddings’ tried-and-tested partner vendors can help make your day special. And in contrast to conventional wedding packages, our all-inclusive packages cover all the essential vendors and services, making budgeting so much easier. Get in touch with us to learn more一we’ll be happy to help you plan your big day and turn your vision into reality.