Allotting room in your budget for gratuities is often a forgotten hidden expense. While tipping is not mandatory—it is always appreciated for a job well done and a kind, thoughtful gesture for this service industry. Traditionally tips are included in pre-prepared thank-you notes written before the wedding day. Typically your wedding planners or another trusted responsible guest will distribute the pre-prepared sealed envelopes to vendors during select moments of services during the day. Here's a helpful breakdown of what's customary for tipping each vendor:

Wedding Planner

Tipping is appreciated, but optional. if we did a great job, the standard token of appreciation is 10 - 20% of the service level of the invoice and typically provided to your planner at the rehearsal.

Wedding Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

A tip of 10 to 20 % is expected depending upon the quality of beauty services. Note that this is often included for large party services. If your wedding planner is not personally present during the beauty segment of the timeline, we advise to ask a trusted friend or family member who will be with you so you don’t have to keep track of the envelope.

Wedding Delivery and Setup Staff & Reception Staff

Slipping a few dollars ($5 - $10) to anyone delivering important items to the site such as the wedding cake, flowers or rentals is appreciated for a job well done. Your wedding planner or sometimes catering manager is typically responsible for distributing these tokens of appreciation to the staff.

Wedding Ceremony Officiant

Tipping the officiant, both nondenominational and denominational, is appreciated but optional. If the officiant is a friend of family member typically a personal gift is the best way to say “Thank You.”

If the officiant is a nondenominational, the standard is $30 - $80 or 20 - 30% depending on their rate. Typically your wedding planner is trusted with the responsibility of distributing the tip in a sealed and signed envelope prior to the ceremony or after the ceremony.

If the officiant is affiliated with a church or synagogue, you're often expected to make a donation to that institution. If you're a member, you'll likely want to give a larger amount than if you're not. However, if you're getting married there and they're charging you to use the space, feel free to give a smaller amount.

Musicians or DJ Entertainment

Tipping musicians is appreciated but optional. Depending on the quality of the job and how willing they were to follow your ideal playlist, the standard is $100 per musician and $100 for DJs. Typically your wedding planner is trusted with the responsibility of distributing the tip in a sealed and signed envelope delivered the end of the services.

Wedding Photographer and Videographer

Tipping photographers and videographers is appreciated but optional, depending on the quality of the job and how dedicated they are to your details. The standard is $100–$200 per photographer or videographer. Typically your wedding planner is trusted with the responsibility of distributing the tip in a sealed and signed envelope during the dinner hour.

Florist

Tipping florists is appreciated but optional, depending on the quality of the job and how dedicated they are to your details. The standard is $200 - $300 or 15% - 20% of the service section of their invoice. Typically your wedding planner is trusted with the responsibility of distributing the tip in a sealed and signed envelope during the dinner hour.

Catering / Food & Beverage / Wedding Reception Attendants

When it comes to bartenders and waitstaff, and parking, bathroom and coatroom attendants, the rules of tipping are dictated by your contract. If the service fee is included, consider doling out extra only if the service was exceptional. If it's not included, ask ahead of time how many attendants will be working your wedding and calculate on a per person basis.

A service charge (typically 2%) and gratuity (18%) is almost always built in to the food and drink fee, so check your final invoice. If it's covered in the invoice, the final bill is typically due before the reception. If the gratuity is not included, the standard is 15–20% for the food and 10 - 20% for bartending or drink fees. Your wedding planner should be trusted with the responsibility of sharing the gratuity in a sealed and signed envelope before the event starts so great service is received.

Wedding Transportation

Check your contract, as gratuity is usually included. If it isn't, plan to tip provided they show up on time, provide a smooth ride and don't get lost. The standard is 15–20% of the total bill. Typically a tip for transportation is delivered by the Groom after the last ride.

Another phenomenal way to show your appreciation to your dedicated wedding vendors is to say “Thank You” and recognize them as an important part of making your day special. This typically is mentioned at the end of a Thank You toast made by you during your reception.