How Much Should I Tip My Wedding Vendors?
A fabulous wedding takes a team of incredible wedding vendors! Deciding who will help you bring the vision you have for your wedding day to life is a big undertaking. Planning out your wedding budget takes effort and dedication to stick to the fine print.
But before you finalize your budget, should you add in gratuity for your wedding vendors?
Tipping wedding vendors is one of those sneaky little details that often slips the minds of the couple until the last minute, and boy, can it make an impact on your final budget! Let's face it, understanding the ins and outs of tipping for weddings can be quite a puzzle, especially when there's a whirlwind of conflicting information online. But we've got you covered with some handy tips and common practices that we recommend to all of our Emerson Fields couples. Let's dive into all those burning questions you may have about tipping your amazing wedding vendors!
“I highly recommend “tipping” your vendor team in one way or another, whether financial, a thank you note, or a review (kudos to all three!). If couples only knew how much joy a simple thank you card or review meant to a vendor, they would do it more often. Seriously, smiles from ear to ear!
I have kept every single thank you note I’ve ever received from my clients because they are reminders that what we are doing is impactful and meaningful.”
Why should I tip my wedding vendors?
You've made all the necessary arrangements with your wedding vendors, but have you considered tipping them for their exceptional service? It's a question that often comes up after settling on the expected price, but here's why it's worth considering.
Wedding vendors are part of the service industry, and their goal is to ensure your special day is nothing short of amazing. They work hard to meet and even exceed, your expectations. Tipping serves as a way to express gratitude for their dedication and for going the extra mile to make your wedding memorable.
Before determining your tipping amounts, it's crucial to review your contracts. Some vendors may already suggest a gratuity percentage, making it easier for you to gauge the appropriate tipping amount. Keep in mind that you don't need to double-tip if the gratuity is already included in the contract. For example, your catering waitstaff might have gratuity included in the price, or your photographer may have accounted for traveling fees and assistant gratuity. Always carefully read through your contracts to avoid any confusion.
Want more details? Our Guidebook for Tipping Wedding Vendors is on sale for digital download!
Now, the big question remains: how do you decide who to tip and how much to tip once you've reviewed your contracts? Let's delve into that next.
We asked Terra Nickelson of Plan It Terra Wedding Planning & Design her thoughts on why couples should tip their wedding vendors. Here is what she had to say!
“The entire vendor team is instrumental to the success of a wedding day. No question. But tips are never expected by every single vendor category, although some vendor categories will include a tip in their invoice (i.e. gratuity).
Overall, a monetary tip is a way for clients to say to their vendors, "Wow, you blew me away" or "I was impressed and thankful for everything that you did for me." I always tell our couples that a monetary tip is not always financially feasible, which is totally okay!”
Now, let's explore some of the most common wedding vendors and delve into how much you should consider tipping them.
Wedding Photographer and/or Videographer
When it comes to your wedding photographer, it's important to recognize that they often run their own business, bearing expenses such as camera gear maintenance and insurance. While tipping the wedding photographer or videographer is not expected, it's still worth considering the level of service and time they invest in capturing your special day. Think about factors like the distance they traveled and whether they provided a complimentary engagement session that left you in awe of their work. While tipping on the wedding day is not necessary, showing appreciation through a thank you note and a monetary gift or thoughtful present after receiving your complete gallery of stunning images is always a kind gesture.
In the case where your wedding photographer has a second shooter or assistant present on the wedding day, it is customary to offer a tip. This individual plays a vital role in organizing family members for portraits, capturing alternative angles during the ceremony, documenting behind-the-scenes moments, and helping your photographer weave together the narrative of your wedding. Expressing gratitude through a tip for their assistance is greatly appreciated. Check your contract to see if gratuity towards assistants is already included.
Expectation: Not required but always appreciated for going the extra mile!
Cost: A nice gift sent after the wedding or a monetary gift ranging anywhere from $50-$500 (depending on the level of service)
Wedding Caterer and/or Waitstaff
When it comes to tipping wedding caterers or waitstaff, it's crucial to thoroughly review your contract for any included gratuity for delivery people, waitstaff, dishwashers, and other service personnel. If gratuity is not already accounted for, it is customary to tip these individuals. Similar to a fine dining experience, your caterer and staff are there to serve you and your guests, making tipping an expected practice. Treat them as you would a waiter at a restaurant, taking into account factors such as whether they provided a complimentary tasting when you booked their services or the distance they traveled to cater your event. If you've made additional requests beyond the standard service, such as a late-night snack delivery, it's considerate to show gratitude through a generous gratuity. Additionally, writing a positive review and sending a handwritten note to express your appreciation will undoubtedly bring a smile to their faces!
Expectation: Expected if not already included in the contract.
Cost: You can use a percentage, like 20-25% of the bill that the caterer can divide out to the staff OR decide on a cash amount ahead of time.
“We’ve been given 20% of a $4,000 wedding and we’ve been given a sincere thank you note from a single mom who could barely swing a wedding for her daughter at all. Both were appreciated. When asked how to tip I tell them to evaluate the service and the atmosphere we bring to their big day then leave it up to them. We strive to do a great job and we take care of our staff. ”
Bartender
When it comes to professional bartenders, it's important to check their contracts for any included gratuity. If not already stated, you can prepare cash in an envelope and request your wedding coordinator to discreetly hand it to the bartenders at the end of the night. The amount you tip should reflect the level of service you receive. If you have a full-service bartender who not only mixes cocktails but also assists in planning the bar menu and provides consultations prior to the wedding day, it's appropriate to reward their extra time and effort. Additionally, if your bartenders are exceptionally friendly and engaging, your guests may feel inclined to leave them a tip as well.
Expectation: Not required, but always appreciated if not in the contract
Cost: 10-20% of the alcohol bill split between bartenders, if not included in your contract
At Emerson Fields, we often see couples opting for an open bar with beer, wine, and a few signature cocktails. In such cases, it's common for bartenders to have a tip jar on the counter. We are comfortable with this as long as it maintains a professional appearance and doesn't impose on the guests. Typically, couples tip the bartender at the end of the evening with a cash gift ranging from $50 to $100 per bartender or based on a percentage of the alcohol bill.
Need to know how much to tip other wedding vendors?
Tipping vendors like:
Musicians and Entertainment
Hairstylist and Makeup Artist
Transportation
Officiant
Cake Baker
Wedding Planner
Wedding Officiant
Specialty Vendors
and more?!
Check out our eBook, A Guidebook for Tipping Wedding Vendors, on digital download with over 12 common wedding vendors and how much you should tip each one. It includes a worksheet for you to work out your tipping budget and tons of insider knowledge on why you should or why you should not tip certain wedding vendors. It’s on sale now!
Other tips on tipping your wedding vendors!
Leave a positive review on Google since most people do a Google search to find wedding vendors. Highlight the things this vendor did to help make your wedding day amazing! Share photos with your review if you have them.
Tips are most often cash, sealed in an envelope with the vendor’s name written on it for easy delivery.
Assign a responsible person to oversee handing out your tip envelopes to the correct people, like your wedding planner/coordinator. Have these ready ahead of time.
We hope that we've been able to address some of your burning questions about tipping your wedding vendors! Remember, keeping it simple and showing your appreciation in any form of "tip" is a great way to encourage and support your vendors. Trust us, they'll be incredibly grateful for your support! Let your words be a testament to the outstanding service and dedication of your wedding vendors. They deserve every bit of recognition and appreciation for making your special day unforgettable.
Don't forget, that one of the most impactful ways to tip your wedding vendors is by writing them a positive review. A stellar review goes beyond just expressing how amazing your wedding day was. It should also highlight your experience before you even booked the vendor, how they assisted you throughout the process, and how thrilled you were with the final result.
At Emerson Fields, we love helping educate couples on wedding etiquette! Check out our Guidebook for Tipping Wedding Vendors, on sale now for digital download!
This blog features the work of Bailey Pianalto, Ashley Ice Photography, and Hillary and Grant Photography.
Huge shout out to Terra Nickelson of Plan It Terra Wedding Planning & Design for all your helpful comments!
Information for this blog was collected from wedding industry colleagues, www.brides.com, www.theknot.com, www.herecomesthequide.com, and our personal experiences.
08/14/2023 - Gabrielle Isom
