Guide to Tipping Vendors
weddings and events alike are costly, and planning for expenses is a must. however, an item often forgotten on a budget sheet is vendor tips. here is a simple guide to standard tipping practices and thoughtful ways to express gratitude so you can avoid last-minute stress or surprise expenses!
and if you had a remarkable experience with a vendor, use your judgment! if cash tips/gifts are not feasible, consider the impact of a positive review and a thank you note. reviews are a great way to express gratitude and contribute to the success of a business. just ask your vendor for their preferred platform.
Tips are expected:
photographer/videographer
it’s pretty standard to show your appreciation with a card and tip. if there are any second shooters or assistants, it's considerate to tip them as well.
amount: $50–$200 per vendor
dj/band
if you have a dj at your event, most people will leave a card and tip. for a band most people will give an envelope to the main point of contact with money for each member inside.
amount:
dj: $50–$200 per vendor
band: $25–$50 per musician
hair/makeup
it is very common to tip your hair and makeup artists. you can tip what you would normally at a salon.
amount: 20% per each stylist
transportation
gratuity for shuttle or limo drivers is typically included in your contract or final bill. if not plan to have an envelope with money set aside for your driver.
amount: 15-20% of total bill
bartending staff
bartenders will have a tip jar so that guests can tip on their own. it is customary for the host to tip as they order a drink or to have an envelope set aside. if you request for there to be no tip jar, talk to your beverage provider about compensation.
amount: $50-$100 per bartender
tips are common:
ceremony musicians
if you have hired musicians other than your dj or band for your ceremony, most people will give an envelope to the musician or main point of contact (if you have a trio, quartet, etc.) with a thank you card and money.
amount: $15 - $50 per musician
catering leads
if you are using an outside caterer it is a nice gesture to offer a tip to your catering lead when paying your final invoice. double-check your invoice to make sure you are not already being charged a gratuity.
amount: 15-20% of food bill -or- $50-$100 for catering lead, $15-25 for each staff member
serving staff
it is common to leave an envelope for your serving staff. ask your venue or caterer the prior how many staff members to expect during service. leaving an envelope with cash for the main point of contact or lead to split up among staff it typical.
amount: $15-$20 per staff member
deliveries
whether it is your baker, lounge rental drop off or late-night food delivery, pre-tipping, or having cash set aside for your event manager or venue coordinator to leave when accepting a delivery is a common gesture.
amount: $15-$20 per delivery driver
tips are appreciated:
officiant
if you are using a pastor or priest, most are not allowed to accept gifts so a donation in their name is a nice gesture. if a friend or family member is officiating your ceremony, a personal gift is usually more meaningful than a cash tip. if you are hiring a professional officiant a small gift or gift card is common.
amount: up to $100 donation to a place of worship, or a personal gift
florist
you will probably not see your florist the day of your event but that doesn’t mean that they were not at the venue all morning setting up. leaving a card with cash or a personal gift is a nice way to show your appreciation for their hard work.
amount: $50-$100 or personal gift
event manager/planner
for most event managers/planners tipping is never expected but always appreciated, especially if you had a great experience with your planner. a card and tip is a great way to show your appreciation.
amount: $50-$100 or personal gift