Hello Brides and Grooms!
Spending Even More Money
You have probably already shelled out a small fortune in your wedding already, and the thought of having to tip someone before/during/after the wedding could cause you even more angst.
When I first thought about tipping my wedding vendors, I scoffed. I mean, are they seriously not getting paid enough as it is?
The closer wedding day came, the more that I wanted my wedding vendors to really collaborate with my husband and me, I had a change of heart.
Looking For Change
How did I change my behavior and thought surrounding this subject?
Well, I began thinking about all the services I tip for: getting a haircut and highlights, mani/pedis, massages, car wash, at restaurants, if our local barista at Starbucks makes a really good coffee, etc.
People in the service industry are providing just that…a service. My wedding vendors would be providing…a service. I began asking myself, “Why are you going to deny a monetary tip to the people that are providing a service for one of the most important and special days of your life?”
Thus, on wedding day, most of our vendors were tipped.
Wedding Industry Tipping Standards
Below you will find standard tipping practices for the wedding industry. Make sure the best man, wedding coordinator, or trusted person within your wedding party provides tips to your vendors so that you do not have to stress about this on your wedding day.
As with anything in the service industry, if you don’t receive good service, adjust your tips accordingly!
- Hair, Makeup & Nails: 15-20% of each fee.
- Delivery People (from the florist, bakery, party rental): $10 bakery and $30 floral–sometimes this is already included in your Wedding Cake Bakery and Floral Design contracts, so make sure to check!
- Officiant/Minister/Pastor/Priest/Clergy: $100-$200, and provide a small church donation if married in a church.
- Transportation: 15-20% of fee.
- Musicians (ceremony and reception): $20-$25 for each member, whether it is an organist/string quartet/full band.
DJ: 15-20% of fee.
- Photographer / Videographer: Somewhat optional, $20-$25 each for a job well done.
- Valet Attendants / Parking Attendants: This is usually included in your wedding site contract, but if not, it is customary to provide each attendant $1-$2 per car.
- Coat Check Attendants / Restroom Attendants: This fee is usually included in your wedding site contract, but if not, it is customary to provide each attendant $1-$2 per guest.
- Wedding Coordinator/Consultant/Director/Planner: Somewhat optional, as this fee is usually included in your contract, and they do not usually expect a tip or gratuity. For outstanding work, 10% of their fee.
- Florist/Wedding Cake Designer/Bridal Store/ Invitation and Stationary Store/Party Rental Store: These vendors usually do not expect a tip or gratuity. After your wedding, a visit to these vendors, a phone call, or thank-you card are all fantastic gestures.
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