Weddings are full of excitement, love, and—let’s be real—a bit of stress. With so many details to manage, tipping your vendors can feel like just another thing to check off the list. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it down and help you figure out how much to tip (and if you should tip at all).
Tipping isn’t always expected, but it’s definitely appreciated. It’s a way to show gratitude for the extra effort vendors put into making your big day magical. From the DJ who nailed every song to the florist who made your bouquet Instagram-worthy, these professionals work hard. And a tip is like saying, “Hey, you did an awesome job, and I appreciate it!”
So, how much should you tip your wedding vendors? Let’s go through some of the most common vendors, along with some general guidelines for wedding vendor tipping.
1. Wedding Planner
Your wedding planner is likely your go-to person, helping to organize every aspect of the day. But should you tip them?
- Should you tip? Tipping isn’t mandatory for wedding planners, but if they go above and beyond, consider it.
- How much? $50 to $500, depending on your budget and how much they’ve done for you. Giving 10-20% of their total fee is also a nice gesture.
2. Caterer
The people who feed your guests definitely deserve some recognition. After all, great food can be a highlight of your wedding.
- Should you tip? Most caterers include a service charge in their contracts. But if they don’t—or if the service is exceptional—a tip is always welcome.
- How much? $50 to $100 for the catering manager, and $25 to $50 for each staff member. If the service charge is already included, a smaller tip of $1-$2 per guest works.
3. Bartenders
Bartenders work hard to keep the drinks flowing and your guests happy.
- Should you tip? Many bartenders have a tip jar, but for weddings, it’s better to keep that off the counter and tip them directly.
- How much? $10 to $20 per bartender or 10-20% of the total bar tab.
4. DJ/Band
Your DJ or band is responsible for setting the mood and keeping the energy up. Whether it’s the perfect first dance song or a killer dance mix, they deserve some love.
- Should you tip? Not all DJs and bands expect a tip, but if they crushed it and made the night unforgettable, a tip is a good idea.
- How much? $50 to $200 for each DJ or musician.
5. Photographer/Videographer
These are the people capturing every moment, so you can relive your wedding day forever. It’s a big job, and if they do it well, they deserve recognition.
- Should you tip? Tipping is not expected, but it’s nice to tip them if their service goes above and beyond.
- How much? $50 to $200, or about 10-15% of their total fee if you’re feeling generous.
6. Florist
Florists make your wedding beautiful with all those blooms. If they’ve done an amazing job making your floral vision come to life, you might want to tip them.
- Should you tip? It’s not expected. However, if they’ve gone above and beyond, a tip is a nice way to say thanks.
- How much? $50 to $100 is a good range for florists who exceed your expectations.
7. Hair and Makeup Artists
These are the pros who help you look your absolute best on your big day. They often expect tips, especially since it’s customary in the beauty industry.
- Should you tip? Yes, definitely tip your hair and makeup artists.
- How much? 15-20% of the total service cost, just like you would at a salon.
8. Officiant
Your officiant plays a crucial role in making your marriage official. But how do you handle tipping for this role?
- Should you tip? If your officiant is affiliated with a church, temple, or religious organization, a donation to the institution is often more appropriate than a personal tip. For a non-religious officiant, tipping is optional.
- How much? A donation of $100 to $200 for a religious officiant or $50 to $100 for a non-religious one.
9. Transportation
If you’re using transportation for your wedding, like a limo or party bus, your driver works hard to get you and your guests around safely.
- Should you tip? Yes, and it’s often expected unless gratuity is already included in your contract.
- How much? 15-20% of the total bill, or $50 to $100 per driver.
10. Venue Staff
From setting up your tables to managing the flow of your day, the venue staff does a lot behind the scenes.
- Should you tip? If a service charge isn’t already added to your bill, tipping is a great way to say thank you.
- How much? $50 to $200 for the event manager, and $20 to $50 per staff member.
A Few General Tips on Tipping (Pun Intended)
- Check the contract: Some vendors include a service charge or gratuity in their contract, so always read the fine print to avoid double tipping.
- Cash is king: Tipping with cash is the most appreciated, but if you prefer, you can always add it to the final payment if that works with the vendor.
- Timing matters: You can hand out tips on the day of your wedding, or you can include them with the final payment. Some couples delegate this to a trusted friend or family member, which can take the stress off you during the big day.
- Be fair: Tipping isn’t mandatory, and not every vendor expects it. But if someone really makes a difference in your wedding day, tipping is a great way to say thanks.
What If I’m On a Tight Budget?
If tipping every vendor feels overwhelming, that’s okay! Weddings are expensive, and not everyone can tip every vendor. Focus on tipping those who went above and beyond.
Another option is to include tips in your wedding budget early on, so they don’t sneak up on you later. Even a small amount can make a big difference and show your appreciation.
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t tip as much as you’d like, leaving a glowing review is a fantastic alternative. Vendors rely heavily on word-of-mouth and online reviews to attract future clients, so your feedback can be incredibly valuable to them. Whether it’s a five-star review on Google or a wedding-specific platform like The Knot, your kind words can help their business grow. Be specific about what you loved, and mention any standout moments or services. This shows your appreciation, even if you’re unable to tip as much as you’d like, and it can have a lasting positive impact on their business.
Tipping your wedding vendors isn’t always required, but it’s a meaningful way to thank the people who made your day special. From your DJ to your photographer, these pros work hard to bring your wedding vision to life. If you can tip, go for it—if not, a sincere review can still mean the world.
Just remember, wedding vendor tipping is all about gratitude. Whether you give a small tip or a big one, what matters most is that you’re recognizing the hard work and care that went into making your wedding day unforgettable.
