Tipping 101: Your Gratuity Guide

To Tip or Not to Tip

We get this question a lot. There’s no denying that we live in a tipping society where an additional amount is sometimes expected for services rendered, and none of us ike committing a tipping faux pas. There’s a reason for that: often times the individual actually providing the service doesn’t see the direct financial benefits. The massage that costs you $60? The masseuse might only earn a small percent of that. Same thing with the haircut or manicure you received. 

Tipping is an opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional service. 

In the wedding industry, it’s no different. Throughout your wedding planning journey you will be interacting with a variety of vendors who will greatly impact your wedding day. These include, but are not limited to: Band/DJ, photographer, videographer, officiant, florist, and wedding coordinator. All of these vendors will be on site with you throughout your wedding day, and tipping them is a great way to show your appreciation for their services. Think about all of the hours of time and effort these vendors have put into your day—you should reward that! 

Questions to ask yourself when deciding who to tip:

How responsive was this vendor throughout the process? 

How often did you communicate with this vendor? 

Did this vendor go above and beyond in their service?

Were your expectations simply met or were they exceeded? 

A good general rule is that business owners do not expect a gratuity, however you should tip their employees. For example, a baker or florist who owns their own business does not usually expect a tip, but a makeup artist who does not run their own studio should be compensated with an added gratuity. Or alternatively, if you hire a wedding planner who owns their company a tip is not necessary, but a day-of coordinator provided by the wedding venue should receive a tip if they have provided exceptional efforts. 

Below is a cheat sheet for vendors for whom tipping is either standard or optional. 

Transportation Driver: 

Suggested Amount: $25-$50 

Standard or Optional: Standard

Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist:

Suggested Amount: 15-20% of the total

Standard or Optional: Standard

Wedding Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Musicians

Suggested Amount: $20 per musician

Standard or Optional: Standard

Band or DJ:

Suggested Amount: $25 per musician or $50-$100 for a DJ

Standard or Optional: Optional

Photographer/Videographer:

Suggested Amount: $50-$100

Standard or Optional: Optional

Officiant:

Suggested Amount: Donation to their religious institution or $50-$100

Standard or Optional: Standard

Wedding Coordinator: 

Suggested Amount: $50-$100+

Standard or Optional: Optional

Florist: 

Suggested Amount: $50

Suggested or Optional: Optional

A tip is never mandatory. If it’s not in your budget to tip all of your vendors, think of other ways you can show your appreciation. Thank you notes, gifts, and reviews for businesses are always welcome.