Wedding Etiquette - Tipping Your Wedding Vendors

WHO TO TIP AND HOW MUCH TO TIP

Vendor Tips

It may be the last thing a frugal bride wants to hear, but tipping wedding vendors is an absolute requirement.  You will benefit to plan for this early in the planning process.  Never take the amount you are being charged at face value.  Always factor in your tip so that you don’t come up short on the big day.

When determining who to tip and how much they should get, the first thing you need to find out is if there are any gratuities included. Many vendors now include gratuities in the bill. This is especially common among caterers.  If your caterer included gratuities, you do not need to tip your servers.  If gratuity is not included, it is important to consult with the catering company on the best method for tipping.

All vendors should receive their tips on the wedding day, after they have performed their service.  If you have a wedding planner, she should take care of all of this.  If you do not have a wedding planner, this duty usually falls to the best man.  Be prepared with tips - and payments where applicable - in separate, well-labeled envelopes.  Hand these over to the best man early in the day and never give it a second thought.  If you feel that the best man is not the right person for this responsibility, it should then be turned over to one of the fathers.

The general rules for tipping:

• if gratuity is not included in the contract, for caterer, wait staff, bartender, DJ’s or musicians, limousine driver, hair and make-up stylists - the customary amount would be up to 15% of the amount or $150, which ever is less
• parking attendants- fifty cents to a dollar for each car
• restroom or coatroom attendants - fifty cents to a dollar for each guest
• florists, bakers, photographers, videographers, and musicians - optional.  If you do choose to tip these individuals, it can be at your own discretion up to 15%.
• officiates should not be tipped. It is considered polite to instead make a contribution to the church. These donations should be no less than $75 and are frequently in excess of $100

Keep in mind that tips may be adjusted for services that are performed either exceptionally well, or very poorly.  Most wedding vendors also appreciate a simple thank you card.  It is important to keep in mind that these dedicated professionals helped to provide you with a very special day, and deserve the proper appreciation.