Tipping You Wedding Vendors

Most couples are pretty confused on which, if any, of their wedding vendors to tip. And the truth is that this tipping etiquette thing is pretty subjective. When I bring up the subject with my clients (I always bring it up, because nobody likes talking about money), here is some advice I offer:

- Tips are rarely expected but are always appreciated.

- Don't break your budget trying to tip your vendors. If you are early enough in the process, set aside a rough amount of money for tipping so it doesn't break the bank on the wedding day. Tipping should make you feel just as good as it makes your vendors feel.

- Tip the people you would tip in real life (servers, car or shuttle drivers, beauty services, etc) at roughly the same amount you would if this weren't a wedding. (Most wedding questions can be answered easily if you take the word wedding out of it. "Hey, should I tip my servers?)."

- Double check your contracts to see when gratuity is already included. Catering usually, but not always, includes gratuity on their bill (though clarify that it will also go to the serving staff).

- Tips don't have to be cash. Whoa, right?! Everyone loves cash, but I can tell you I've received some really great, from the heart gifts from clients over the years as a thank you. From all things coffee (I have a slight addiction) to books to a fantastic magnet that is still on my fridge 10 years later, these gifts are all memorable, personal, and meaningful, and usually make me laugh or smile.

- If any of your vendors have not only met but exceeded your expectations, one of the best things you can do is leave a five-star review for them on their site of choice. Or send a note - handwritten love is awesome!

The bottom-line IMO: show your appreciation in whatever way, shape or dollar amount feels right for you. However, you care to show your appreciation of a job well done, know that gratitude is a wonderful thing that fills our hearts with all the warm fuzzies. We are working to make your day special because we genuinely WANT it to be amazing, not because we are expecting a tip.

Sometimes, after all this is said, I still get asked, "yeah, but really. How much should I tip?" Based on my experiences, here is what I usually see when tips are involved:

Photographer, Planner, DJ, bar: $50 - $200

Band: $20-$40 per band member

Officiant: $50 - $100 donation (if they are with a parish) or personal tip.

Lighting, Floral, Bakery: $40 - $60

Bartenders: discuss whether you are cool with them leaving a tip jar on the counter for guests to tip, or whether you want to work their tip into their fee. Generally: $150 - $300

Note that if you do plan to leave tips of cash or check, please have them ready to go in advance (at the rehearsal or the morning of), sealed in an envelope and labeled for the appropriate vendor. Hand them to your planner, or your designated person, to pass out as they day winds down.

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