I get a lot of questions about tipping vendors, so here is my best wedding vendor tipping advice. I usually like to recommend tipping those who are the “service” based vendors versus the “product” based vendors. If you feel that you want to tip everyone - I highly doubt anyone will argue with you.
* Please note the etiquette changes based on your location - please let me know if you feel a different way or are a vendor that disagrees!
SERVICE BASED VENDORS
(Including, but not limited to the following.)
CATERING
BAR
HAIR & MAKEUP
PLANNER
DJ / BAND
PHOTOGRAPHER
VIDEOGRAPHER
PHOTO BOOTH
OFFICIANT
TRANSPORTATION
PRODUCT BASED VENDORS
(Including, but not limited to the following.)
CAKE
VENUE (UNLESS THERE IS A COORDINATOR)
STATIONERY / INVITATIONS
ALTERATIONS / TAILORING
AMOUNT OF TIPPING
This is entirely up to you. It’s helpful to gauge your experience with the vendor leading up to the day to allow for you to take your best guess. In most vendors’ opinions, any tip is a great tip. You can evenly disperse based on your tipping budget or use a percentage of the total like you would when tipping at a restaurant - That is up to you.
Do keep in mind that when working with larger totals like a photography and planning totals, the tips will add up fast. Again, this is totally up to however much you feel is appropriate for the level of service you are receiving from that vendor.
EX: Photography total is $3000, then 15% is $450.
Do make sure to tip the caterers/bartenders at a good amount since those servers are likely paid like they would be in a restaurant. (Safe to say that 10-20% would be super appreciated.)
EX: Catering total is $4000, then 15% is $600 to cover the staff.
EX: Bar total is $1400, then 20% is $280 to cover the staff.
You can also tip by standard amount across the board per person! Makes things super simple if you know all the staff involved with your vendors.
PREPPING YOUR TIPS
I recommend prepping these the week before the wedding! You don’t want to worry about heading to the ATM the morning of the wedding. I would get some envelopes, label each vendor you wish to tip, and add in the tip amounts. If you want to add in the tips based on their performances on the day of the wedding, don’t seal them!
HANDING OUT TIPS
You can either choose to hand out the tips yourself or let someone else handle it on the day. Be sure to let someone you trust hand out the tips - this can be a parent, best man, maid of honor, or the coordinator/planner. (As a planner, I feel totally comfortable doing this on your behalf to let you not feel any stress and make sure the tips get to the right people.)
GIFTS INSTEAD OF TIPS?
YALL. We have all been there when it comes to no more money. If you are left with nothing else in your budget, any of the following are totally welcomed and loved.
HAND WRITTEN NOTES
WINE/ALCOHOL
KICK ASS REVIEWS ALL OVER
CANDY/TREATS
GIFT CARDS FOR SPA
Seriously, you can just go to Trader Joes to get chocolate, wine, and some ribbon and call it a day. (Sometimes so much nicer than cash so that I don't have to go to the store to get it myself.)
That's it for now. I have attached a tip calculator to help see how much you may end up spending in tips!