How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors: A Complete Guide

Are you having trouble deciding how much to tip wedding vendors on your special day? These guidelines, suggestions, and actual figures will assist you in navigating this challenging portion of your wedding budget.

Do you tip wedding vendors to start? Yes, occasionally, but no other time. Gratuities are not required if the merchant provides them on the invoice. Determining who receives what is challenging since you don't always receive a whole expense report upfront. Later, we will discuss tipping etiquette by role.

Explore everything you need to know about tipping wedding vendors:

How much should you budget to tip wedding vendors?

Generally speaking, these specialists should be tipped 10% to 15% of the total cost if it exceeds $300 or up to 20% if it falls below $300 (for exemplary service). Therefore, while creating your budget, aim to allocate 20% of the vendor budget for tipping and identify suppliers who may be paid within the remaining sum. You'll still have some leeway for unforeseen costs in this manner.

Should you pay by cash or check?

Tipping with cash in envelopes is always preferred. In addition to being more straightforward to prepare in advance (no typos or unsure of whether to enter their business or personal name), cash envelopes also save them from running another errand after a long day at the office. Check their website or your contract to see if it's stated elsewhere, though, as they may have a formal preference.

6 must-know rules for tipping wedding vendors:

1. Give them a tip when the service is over.

For instance, the hairstylist and makeup artist should receive tips after finishing all of the customers' work, but the bartenders can receive their money after cleaning up. Tip suppliers who aren't involved in the wedding day itself, like your wedding planner, in advance or immediately after you get back from your honeymoon.

2. Include a thank-you note.

Handwritten thank-you notes are elegant, a kind gesture, and they give the conversation a little more warmth. In just a sentence or two, you can express your admiration for them and what they did well! It's also acceptable to write "Thank You!" on the envelope if you didn't speak with the person directly.

3. Hand the tip to the individuals, not the owner.

Tips should be given to venue assistants, servers, and valet personnel. Alternatively, if you can't or won't find everyone (they'll probably be rushing around doing their jobs), give the owner a separate gratuity if you wish to.

4. Small business owners should get a little extra.

After all, they are a little company! Following them on social media and posting an online review are further ways you may help them.

5. Have a designated tipper.

Your best man, maid of honor, close family member, or day-of coordinator can assist in completing this while you both have a great day.

6. Tips aren't required.

Isn't it wild? Sometimes, a tip is unnecessary, even if most of us can't fathom the social anxiety of not leaving one in the service sector. Inappropriate or impolite behavior, for instance, is sufficient to waive a tip.

The cost may also already include a sizable service gratuity, which is more typical. Using a cheat sheet, list all your vendors, indicate which ones do not include gratuities in the contract, and indicate how much you intend to tip each.

How much to tip each type of wedding vendor:

1. Venue manager

Most wedding venue managers include this cost in their quote. Otherwise, 15-20% is the golden guideline.

2. Photographer

Give the photographer a tip of 15% to 20% if they take pictures at the location or nearby. If you have more than one, $50 to $100 per photographer is good.

3. Videographer

The same guidelines are for the photographer, except for requesting them to drive further, visit more than one site, or stay longer to document the festivities at the conclusion of the evening. In that instance, up to $200 is reasonable for outstanding service.

4. Photo booth rental

$30 to $50 per person is a good amount if they will be actively participating in the photo shoot. $15 to $20 per person is OK if they are only there to set it up and take it down.

5. Hairstylist

15–25% is the rule. The higher end is reserved for any last-minute modifications or unique needs. Additionally, give someone $2 to $5 as a thank you if they shampoo your hair before the stylist begins.

6. Makeup Artist

This is the same as tipping a hairstylist. If your hairstylist is also your makeup artist, give them 15–25% of the total service charge.

7. Nail technician

The customary 20% tip is appropriate unless you receive pricey stones or elaborate artwork. Otherwise, 25% is decent for more upscale, comprehensive services.

8. Full-service wedding planner

The tip is entirely up to you because this one is optional! Any amount will be appreciated because they won't anticipate it either.

9. Day-of coordinator

10–20% is good if they go above and beyond. If not, this seller will also not accept a tip.

10. Tailor

Give them $30 during the last fitting if they go above and beyond.

11. Caterer

$50 to $100 per chef is the ideal range. You are not required to tip the company if they work for a big one.

12. Servers

Whether a server works the buffet or tray pass, most patrons tip $20 to $30 per server. If you throw a formal sit-down dinner with additional dishes, consider leaving them a tip of up to $50.

13. Bartenders

You can decide whether to allow them to leave a tip jar. In any case, it's reasonable to charge an extra $50 (if they're pouring wine and beer) or $100 (if they're also preparing cocktails) per person.

14. Baker

If the baker also delivers the cake, tip the delivery staff $20. You don't need to tip if you're picking it up yourself.

15. Valet attendants

Give each seller a tip of $50 per car or $2 per automobile, whichever is higher.

16. Limo driver

A total of $100 to $150 should be given to limo drivers who make several stops or serve various partygoers.

17. Setup and takedown crew

Give them around $30 apiece if they lift or unfold big furniture, such as tables and chairs. $15 per person is OK if they are only there to make a quick sweep and pick up rubbish.

18. Security team

The agreement will include a gratuity and security fee for most venues. Depending on the size of your party, tip your security personnel between $50 and $100 each.

19. Florist

$50 to $100 should be given to the florist, and $15 to $20 should be given to each delivery staff (or even $30 if there are many elaborate or floral arrangements).

20. Calligrapher

Since it's unnecessary, even 5% to 10% would be more than sufficient.

21. Band/DJ/musician

10%–15% or $50–$100 per person, whichever is more, should be given to each individual.

22. Officiant

Tipping a close friend or relative could seem strange, so offer them a considerate gift of $20 to $30 instead. If it's a religious official, their service description may include a donation policy.

23. Rental crew

$20 to $30 per person if they are dropping off and picking up your rental items (furniture, heaters, silverware, etc.), depending on the number of people (a crew of fewer than five should receive more per person), and the number of items they need to load (tip them more if they are carrying more than 10 items weighing more than 50 pounds).

24. Lighting designer

This is a little challenging because a lighting designer who visits the site several times works with the venue manager and creates a creative or practical plan, which differs from someone who hangs the lights when you ask them to. Give the individual who made the design up to $50 if the former. $20 apiece should be sufficient for the latter (or anyone who shows up to set things up).

25. Wedding dress store clerk

Consider tipping your wedding dress store salesperson $10 to $20 if they go above and beyond by bringing you champagne, searching up sizes in other stores, offering you excellent style advice, giving you a ton of personal attention, and suggesting valuable accessories.

Tipping wedding vendors is easy when you know the rules!

Tipping your wedding vendors is easy if you have these figures and prepare your budget in advance.