view the original post at GSquared Weddings
What to tip (and when) by Wedding Vendor Type
* indicates tip is generally expected. Always check your contract for pre-included gratuity.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator
10-20% of their total, up to $500.
Planners assistant: $50
When: End of reception, or sent with a thank you note within 2 weeks of the wedding.
Hairstylist *
15-25% of the service total based on quality and/or difficulty
When: At the end of the service
Makeup Artist *
15-25% of the service total based on quality and/or difficulty
When: At the end of the service
Delivery & Set Up Staff *
$5-15 per person. You’ll need to confirm this total before your wedding day.
When: Upon delivery of your items for your wedding (this can be before you arrive, so make sure you plan ahead)
Officiant *
$50-100 depending on the amount of time they’ve spent working with you on your event (sometimes a donation is expected in lieu of tip or in addition to a tip, if they’re connected to a house of worship).
When: Upon their arrival to the wedding or at the marriage license signing
Musicians (ceremony or reception) *
$15-20 per person for ceremony; $25-35 per person for reception.
When: Upon completion of their performance
Videographer
$50-200 per person on the team
When: Upon completion of their day
Photographer
$50-200 per person on the team
When: Upon completion of their day
Event Staff (servers, catering, bartenders, attendants etc) *
10-20% of the total bill OR
Catering and Banquet Manager $100-300/ea
Head Chef and Head Bartender: $50-100/ea
Waitstaff and Kitchen Staff: $20/pp
Valets/Coat Staff: $1-2/guest (or car for valets)
When: Sometimes this is written into your bill and paid prior to your event. If not, this can be done at the beginning or end of your event.
DJ
$50-150 per person on the team
When: Upon completion of the reception
Transportation *
15-20% of the total bill
When: This is often included in your total bill and paid in advance of your event. If it is not, this should be paid at the end of the last ride.
Florist
10-15% of the total bill up to $300
When: If they deliver, upon delivery. If you’re picking up, tip them then.
Photo Booth Attendant
$50-100 depending on the length of your photo booth or guest count
When: Upon completion of their service
Baker
$50-100
When: If they deliver, upon delivery. If you’re picking up, tip them then.
Stationer
$50-100
When: When you receive your product
Alterations
$25-50
When: Upon completion of their services
What if tipping isn’t really in the budget?
There are so many ways to say thank you – from a Starbucks gift card, a small thoughtful gift that reminds you of your vendor, a thank you note, a review (please, please always review the vendors you love), or a donation to one of their favorite causes, there are budget friendly options (and some of these are even free!) to show your vendors love.
Vendors should never make you feel obliged to tip them (keep in mind, there are a few standard “expected” tip categories like wait staff, catering, bartending, musicians, hair and makeup and officiant).
