Tipping your wedding vendors is a polite way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication to making your special day unforgettable. However, it can be confusing to know who gets a tip and how much to give.
Firstly, it’s important to note that tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary in some industries. For weddings, it’s typical to tip vendors who provide a personal service, such as hair and makeup artists, photographers, videographers, and wedding planners.
The general rule of thumb is to tip 15-20% of the total cost of the service or a flat fee of $50-$200 for each vendor. However, if the vendor owns the business, it’s not necessary to tip.
When it comes to catering and bartending services, gratuity is often included in the contract. If it’s not, it’s recommended to tip the catering staff 15-20% of the total bill and the bartender $1-$2 per guest.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that a kind thank-you note or review can also go a long way in showing your appreciation for your wedding vendors.
Who all gets a tip as a wedding vendor and how much
Tipping wedding vendors is a customary practice to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to making your special day a success. The amount of tip varies depending on the vendor and the quality of their service. In general, most vendors expect a gratuity of 15-20% of the total cost of their service. However, it is important to note that some vendors may include gratuity in their contracts, so it is always a good idea to review your contracts before tipping.
Wedding vendors who typically receive a tip:
- Catering Staff: If your caterer does not include a gratuity in their contract, it is customary to tip 15-20% of the total catering bill. This amount is usually split among the catering team, including servers, bartenders, chefs, and kitchen staff.
- Wedding Planner: A wedding planner helps you plan and execute your big day flawlessly. It is customary to tip them 10-20% of their fee or a flat rate of $100-$500.
- Hair and Makeup Artists: If you hire a professional hair and makeup artist, it is customary to tip them 15-20% of the total cost of their service.
- DJ/Band: It is customary to tip your DJ or band 10-20% of their fee, or a flat rate of $50-$200 per musician.
- Officiant: If you have a religious or non-religious officiant, it is customary to tip them $50-$100.
Remember, tipping is optional and should be based on the level of service you receive. If you are happy with their service, a gratuity is a great way to show your appreciation.
Checklist of wedding vendors to tip after the wedding
Tipping wedding vendors is a tradition that many couples still choose to follow to show their appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into making their special day a success. Here is a checklist of wedding vendors that you may want to consider tipping after the wedding:
- Catering/Banquet Manager: 15-20% of the total catering bill
- Bartenders: 10-20% of the total bar bill (or $20-$25 per bartender)
- Waitstaff: 15-20% of the total catering bill (or $20-$25 per server)
- Hair and Makeup Artists: 15-25% of the total bill
- Wedding Planner/Coordinator: 10-20% of their fee (if not already included in the contract)
- DJ/Band: 10-15% of their fee
- Officiant: Optional, but a donation to their church or organization is a thoughtful gesture
- Transportation (limo driver, valet attendants): 15-20% of the total bill (or $20-$25 per person)
Remember, tipping is always optional and should be based on the quality of service provided. If a vendor went above and beyond to make your day extra special, consider giving them a little something extra to show your appreciation.
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Hi there! I’m Kandice, Owner of Green-Eyed Girl Productions and engineer of The Project Block System. Thank you so much for stopping in on this blog post! Join hundreds of Bride who have worked through The Project Block System while planning their Wedding. Our Team Experience is now FREE to everyone planning a wedding during this chaotic and confusing time.
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