Tipping Wedding Vendors

As promised in our "Your Questions Answered" post, we are here to help all of our clients navigate through the "How do I do that?" questions in the early stages of event planning and those last minute,"I didn't even think about that!" concerns that hit moments before the event.

The topic for this Information Tuesday is tipping. Which vendors get a tip, and how much? Is the tip based on the total bill (which in the case of larger expenses, could get pricey fast) or is there another way to calculate the appropriate amount? When do you give the tip to the vendor? All excellent questions, and we have found answers!

The Knot offers a great list of the vendors who may be involved in the wedding day:

The Planner: Tip Optional, does not have to be monetary, envelope at end of reception
Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist: Tip Expected, 15-20%, at the end of service.
Delivery/Set Up Staff: Expected, $5-$10 per person, give in envelope to person accepting the delivery (venue, caterer, etc.) ahead of the delivery.
Officiant: Expected, depending on denomination. $500 donation to church or synagogue or $50-$100 to a non-denominational.
Ceremony Musician: Tip Optional, $15-$20 per person.
DJ/Band: Optional, $20-$25 per musician or $50-$150 for DJs.
Photographer/Videographer: Optional, $50-$200 at the end of reception.
Catering Staff: If not already included in the contract, 15-20% of the food and beverage bill (based on labor).
Reception Attendants: Optional, $20-$25 per bartender or waiter, $1 per guest for coat room, $1 per car for valet.
Transportation: Expected, 15-20% of the total bill, pay at the end of the night or after the last ride.

It's definitely important to check the contracts and invoices for each vendor to make sure that gratuity isn't already included before you determine your tip. Also, keep in mind that quality of service factors into the equation - for better or worse. The numbers above are guidelines.

Martha Stewart Weddings also has an article with advice for tipping your wedding vendors:

For Officiants, tips are often not accepted or not permitted, which does make a $75-$100 donation an acceptable option.
For Caterers, either a 15-20% or a flat amount for each worker - a good guide would be $100-$200 for the catering or banquet manager, $50 each for chefs/bakers, and $20-$30 for waiters and kitchen staff. (Not mentioned in this article, but something else to take into consideration, a higher tip is expected when the event falls on a holiday.)
Musicians and DJ's: Tips are usually not expected. If you feel that the band/DJ did an exceptional job, $20-$25 per musician or at least $25 for a DJ are recommended.
Stylists and Makeup Artists: 15-20% and if additional assitants are helping out, plan to give them $3-$5 each. Tips can be handed out to each stylist directly or paid to the salon to distribute. Photographers, Videographers, Florists, and Wedding Coordinators: Tipping typically is not expected.
Remember those involved in the event set up and those who've helped along the way, but may not be present at the actual event (seamstresses, delivery people, drivers, etc.). Gratuity may already be included, but if not, at least $5 per person or 15-20% of the cost are appreciated.

*If you have a Wedding Planner or Day-of-Coordinator, tips can be placed in envelopes designated for each respective vendor. Your event planner can be placed in charge of distributing the gratuities so that family and friends do not need to be assigned this task and can enjoy the event.