Brides & Weddings Magazine
Who to Tip and How Much
By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Brides & Weddings
Signup for Bridal Buzz newsletter
Weddings can be expensive, and while tipping vendors is not mandatory, it’s a great way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to making your big day special. However, knowing who to tip and how much is appropriate can be hard. Here is a breakdown of industry norms for tipping wedding vendors.
Officiant
Most clergy in a house of worship will ask for a donation of $200 to $500 or more, depending on your house of worship. If you are getting married in a less traditional setting, the officiant should be tipped $50 to $100.
Wedding Coordinator
A typical gratuity for an event coordinator is 15% of their bill.
Hair and Makeup Artists
On average, this should be about 20% of their entire bill.
DJ or Band
This should be 10% of their bill or $50 per musician.
Photographer
While not necessarily expected, it’s always a nice gesture to let your photographer know you value his/her hard work with about $100 – $200.
Catering Manager/Director or Food & Beverage Manager/Director
Industry standard is $100 – $200 for this vendor.
Catering Staff
Usually, the banquet captain is given about $100 to $200 while servers should be given about $25 – $75 each.
Bartender
Bartenders should be tipped 10% to 20% based on the alcohol bill.
Coat and Restroom Attendant
An expected tip is $1 to $2 per guest.
Limo/Transportation Driver
An adequate tip would be 15% of their bill.
Valet
Tipping should be based on a rate of $1 to $2 per car or 15% to 20% of the bill.
Florist and Cake Baker
A small tip is always appreciated, especially for delivery drivers dropping off the goods ($10 to $20 is adequate).
Dress Shop/Tailor
This vendor does not expect a tip.
Remember, tipping is always up to the couple and it’s best to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary stress on the wedding day. Placing gratuities in marked envelopes is a good idea, and be sure to check your contract to see if any gratuities are included before tipping. Ultimately, the tipping decision is up to you, but with these guidelines, you can show your appreciation for your vendors in a thoughtful and appropriate way.
Rebecca Barnes is the publisher of Brides & Weddings, the trusted local wedding planning guide for more than 25 years. Rebecca is passionate about helping couples plan their dream weddings. Schedule a complimentary wedding planning consultation, call with Rebecca today.
