Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Gratuity Etiquette & Recommendations
The Ultimate Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who to Tip, How Much & When
When planning a wedding, it's easy to get swept up in the big decisions—venue, dress, photographer—but when the big day arrives, it’s often the small gestures that leave a lasting impression. One such gesture? Tipping your wedding vendors. It’s a topic that’s often confusing, but we’re here to demystify it for you.
In our opinion, both professional and personal, you should only tip wedding vendors if they’ve gone above and beyond expectations and delivered exceptional service. Gratitude doesn’t always need to come in the form of money—it can be a heartfelt thank-you note, a glowing review, or a thoughtful gift card to a local favorite spot. Of course, if you’re inclined to give cash or checks, that’s always appreciated—and more common than you might think.
Who to Tip at a Wedding—and Why It Matters
Let’s break it down by category, so you’re fully prepared to show your appreciation where it’s truly due:
1. Wedding Planners and Coordinators
Most wedding planners and day-of coordinators run their own businesses, and gratuity is not typically expected. However, if they truly went above and beyond to make your wedding stress-free and flawless, a tip of $100–$500 is a generous way to say thank you. A personal gift or a handwritten letter goes a long way, too. Please also don’t forget your wedding planner’s support staff with a generous tip of $50-$100.
2. Caterers and Banquet Staff
Many catering companies automatically include a service charge or gratuity in their contracts—usually around 15–20%. Always check your agreement first.
If gratuity is not included, consider tipping:
$100–$200 for the banquet manager
$50–$100 for chefs and kitchen leads
$20–$50 per server, bartender, or support staff
You can provide tips in separate labeled envelopes and hand them to the banquet manager to distribute.
3. Officiants
If your officiant is affiliated with a religious organization, they often do not accept cash tips. Instead, make a donation of $75–$100 to their place of worship, and consider a personal thank-you gift like a restaurant gift card.
For a civil officiant, gratuity is usually not expected due to legal restrictions—but a heartfelt thank-you card is always appreciated.
4. DJs and Musicians
Music sets the tone of your wedding day. If your DJ or live band nailed the vibe, show your appreciation with:
$25–$50 per musician
$50–$100 for a DJ
If you hired them through an agency, check if a tip is already included or recommended separately.
5. Photographers and Videographers
If your photo/video team owns their business, tipping is not expected. But if they brought assistants or second shooters, consider:
$100-$250 for the lead
$50–$75 for each assistant
Want to go the extra mile? Send a small gift, like a framed photo they took of your wedding day!
6. Hair and Makeup Artists
As with a regular salon appointment, a 15–20% tip is standard for hair stylists and makeup artists. If they brought assistants, give them $5–$10 depending on their role. Tip in cash, or include gratuity in your final check or credit card charge if accepted.
7. Transportation and Delivery Staff
Drivers (limo, shuttle, etc.) should receive 15–20% of the total bill—unless already included. For those delivering your cake, flowers, or rentals:
$5–$20 per delivery person is a kind gesture.
For seamstresses or tailors, a thank-you note or photo of you in your wedding attire makes a lovely token of appreciation.
8. Venue Staff (Valets, Coat Check, Restroom Attendants)
Often overlooked, these behind-the-scenes staff help your event run smoothly. Be sure to budget for:
$1–$2 per guest for coat check and valet attendants
$0.50–$1 per guest for restroom attendants
Ask your venue manager if gratuities can be pooled and distributed directly.
9. Don’t Forget the Assistants!
If your vendors had assistants—second shooters, event staff, setup crews—they also deserve recognition. Tip the lead vendor and provide a separate envelope marked for their team. Even $50–$75 split among assistants is a kind and appreciated gesture.
Non-Monetary Ways to Say Thank You
Sometimes, the best tip isn’t money. A few meaningful alternatives include:
A heartfelt handwritten thank-you note
A 5-star online review on Google, Yelp, or The Knot
Referring them to other engaged friends
Social media shoutouts with photos and kind words
So, How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Vendor Tips?
There’s no set rule—it truly depends on your budget and how satisfied you were. However, we recommend setting aside 1–2% of your overall wedding budget specifically for tips and thank-yous. That way, you're prepared to express appreciation without scrambling on the big day.
Final Thoughts: Gratuity Is Personal
Wedding vendor tipping is a personal choice—not a requirement. The goal is to show appreciation for service that exceeded expectations. Whether that’s a cash tip, a kind letter, or a gift card, the most important thing is that it’s sincere.
And remember: kindness, acknowledgment, and a simple “thank you” often matter more than the envelope itself.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Tipping Wedding Vendors