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Tipping wedding vendors is a common practice, but it can be tricky to figure out who should be tipped and how much. If you’re unsure of the rules and etiquette surrounding tipping wedding vendors, this blog post is for you! We will discuss everything you need to know about tipping wedding vendors.

Wedding Planner

Wedding planners are the superheroes of your wedding day. From managing vendors to organizing your dream wedding décor, wedding planners handle everything with grace and precision. They do their best to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. It’s not uncommon to want to show your appreciation through a generous tip. If you choose to tip your wedding planner, it’s recommended to give them 15-20% of their overall fee. 

DJ, Band, and Musicians

Music is an essential component of any wedding, creating the perfect ambiance and atmosphere that can take your celebration to the next level. Whether you opt for a live band or DJ, it’s crucial to show your appreciation and gratitude to these talented individuals for making your day memorable.

The amount of tip varies depending on the type of entertainment you’ve booked and the quality of their performance. Typically, tipping musicians between 10-20% of their total fee is a reasonable amount, but this can vary depending on the contract you have with them and their expectations.

Caterer and Staff

Caterers and their staff play a crucial role in ensuring your guests are fed and taken care of at your wedding. They work tirelessly to ensure everything from the hors d’oeuvres to the desserts is perfect and that the guests are satisfied. 

When it comes to tipping the catering staff, there are a few options to consider. Some couples choose to give a flat fee to the catering manager or coordinator to distribute to the staff, while others opt to distribute individual tips directly to each staff member. Either way, the standard range is 15-20% of the total catering bill. 

Bartenders

Bartenders work hard at receptions, especially if it’s an open bar! It’s always expected to tip bartenders at a wedding. If the bartender has provided exceptional service, has been attentive to guest needs, and has gone above and beyond to create a memorable experience, you should tip 10-15% of the total bar bill.

Wedding Dress Consultant

Your wedding dress consultant is some of the first people you meet with. They will help you find the perfect dress to suit your style, body type, and budget. They may also help you accessorize and coordinate your dress with the overall theme of your wedding. A tip isn’t necessary but is always appreciated.

Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists

When it comes to your wedding day look, your hairstylist and makeup artist plays a crucial role in making sure you look your best. Show your appreciation for their hard work by tipping them appropriately. It’s suggested to tip 15-20% of the total cost for hair and makeup services. If you are getting your hair and makeup done on-site, consider providing snacks and refreshments for your artists, too. They will appreciate the gesture, especially if they are working long hours. 

Setup and Reception Staff

The setup and reception staff create the venue of your dreams! They are the ones responsible for setting up the decorations, arranging the chairs and tables, and making sure everything is in its proper place before the guests arrive. Tipping the setup and reception staff is not mandatory, but it is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work. A typical tip is around $50 to $100 per person, depending on the size of the wedding and the amount of work they have done. 

Wedding Officiant

Some couples choose to have a close friend or family member officiant, which doesn’t require a tip (unless you really want to!) If you choose to hire someone, a tip is a nice gesture. Tipping is not always expected for a religious or church-affiliated officiant; they will simply have their standard fee. If you have hired a non-religious officiant or a justice of the peace, it is appropriate to tip them $50 to $100, depending on their level of involvement and the quality of their service. 

Dress and Suit Alterations

While it is not necessary to tip your tailor or seamstress, it is certainly a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their skill and hard work. If you are happy with the quality of their alterations and feel they went above and beyond to make your dress or suit fit flawlessly, consider giving them a gratuity. The recommended amount for tipping dress and suit alterations is 10-20% of the total cost of the alterations.

Transportation

If you hire a transportation service, a tip at the end of the night is expected. When deciding how much, consider the level of service provided. Your driver should be punctual, courteous, and go above and beyond to make your journey pleasant. The recommended tip for transportation vendors is 15-20% of the total cost, but this can vary depending on the company’s policies.

Florist

From designing beautiful bouquets to decorating the ceremony and reception spaces, a florist’s artistry can make a significant impact on the overall atmosphere. The recommended amount for tipping a florist is 10-15% of the total cost of the floral arrangements. It’s important to consider their creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring your vision to life when deciding on the appropriate amount to tip.

Baker

Your wedding cake is one of the sweetest parts of your special day. It’s important to acknowledge the hard work that goes into creating such a delicious masterpiece. If your baker doesn’t include gratuity in the final bill, a good guideline is to tip 15-20% of the total cost. But it’s not just the wedding cake you need to consider. You may also have other desserts or favors that were prepared by your baker. If you received exceptional service and quality, consider tipping a percentage of the cost of these additional items as well.

Other Ways to Tip

In addition to tipping specific wedding vendors, there are other ways to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication they put into making your special day unforgettable. One option is to provide a positive review or testimonial on their website, social media pages, or Google. This not only gives them valuable feedback but also helps them attract more clients in the future. 

Another way to tip is by recommending their services to friends or family members who may be planning an event. Referrals are a great way to support vendors and help them grow their business. Lastly, consider sending a heartfelt thank-you note or a small gift after the wedding. This personal touch will be greatly appreciated and show your gratitude for their hard work and dedication to making your day perfect.

One Last Note

When it comes to wedding tipping, carefully review your contracts to avoid double tipping. Some wedding vendors may already include gratuity or service fees in their contracts. Understand what you are already paying for before tipping. Check your contracts for any clauses or information about gratuity. 

Tipping wedding vendors is a personal decision that ultimately depends on your budget and the quality of service provided. However, it’s important to remember that vendors work hard to make your special day memorable, and tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for their efforts. When it comes to tipping wedding vendors, it’s best to plan and include tips in your budget. Above all, don’t stress too much about tipping. A heartfelt thank you note, or a positive online review can go a long way in showing your appreciation for your vendors!

About KR Occasions

Kayce is a certified wedding and event planner and the owner and lead planner of KR Occasions. She’s been working in the wedding industry for over a decade. Kayce started as an event planner assistant and soon found herself working for various venues. She launched KR Occasions in 2013 in Sullivan County, NY. While she has planned dozens of weddings, you can expect the utmost professionalism and confidence. She wants to allow every couple to enjoy their wedding day!