What Should You Tip Wedding Vendors?
- jennalschlager
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Tipping may not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, but it is one of the most meaningful. Your wedding vendors work behind the scenes (and often long hours) to bring your day to life. While tips are never mandatory, they’re a thoughtful and appreciated way to say thank you to the people who helped make your celebration unforgettable.
The challenge? Knowing who to tip, how much to tip, and when to deliver those tips. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about tipping wedding vendors—with simple, stress-free etiquette you can use on any budget.
First, Remember This: Tips Are a Gesture of Gratitude, Not an Obligation
While some industries include gratuity in their contracts, wedding vendor tipping is rarely required. Think of tipping as a personal way to recognize exceptional service—not a rulebook you must follow.
If a vendor goes above and beyond, solves last-minute issues, or works extended hours without complaint, tipping is a meaningful way to show appreciation. If tipping doesn’t fit your budget, a heartfelt thank-you note or glowing review goes a long way, too.
General Wedding Vendor Tipping Guidelines
Below is a vendor-by-vendor breakdown to help you plan your tip envelopes ahead of the wedding day.
Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Should you tip? Optional but appreciated.
Typical tip: $100–$500 or a thoughtful gift.
Wedding planners invest months (sometimes years) into your day—from designing timelines to managing vendors to troubleshooting emergencies. While planners don’t always expect tips, many couples choose to express gratitude with a cash gift or a personal present like a gift card, wine, or a spa certificate.
Photographer and Videographer
Should you tip? Optional.
Typical tip: $100–$300 per lead shooter, $50–$150 for second shooters or assistants.
Tipping your photography or videography team is a wonderful way to acknowledge their long hours, emotional labor, and creative expertise. These vendors often start early, stay late, and handle everything from portrait wrangling to timeline management. A tip is an especially kind gesture if the owner of the company isn’t the one photographing your wedding.
If you’ve hired the business owner directly, a glowing review or referral is another great way to show appreciation.
Catering Staff
Should you tip? Often required.
Typical tip: 18–22% of the total food and beverage bill (if not already included).
Most catering contracts include a service fee or gratuity. If they do not, the catering staff should be tipped like you would at a restaurant. You can also give an additional cash tip to the on-site banquet captain or lead server if service was exceptional.
Banquet captain: $50–$150
Servers: $20–$40 each
Bartenders: $20–$40 each (if not working for tips)
Hair and Makeup Team
Should you tip? Expected.
Typical tip: 18–25% of the service total.
Your HMUA team typically works early morning hours and follows strict timelines to keep your day on schedule. Tip them the same way you would at a salon. If they’re traveling to your location or accommodating a large group, a higher tip is a generous way to show thanks.
Ceremony Officiant
Should you tip? Depends on their role.
Typical tip:
Religious officiants: $50–$150 donation to the institution.
Professional officiants: $50–$100.
Many religious leaders don’t accept personal tips, but they can accept donations to their church or organization. For non-religious or independent officiants, a small monetary tip is always a welcome gesture.
DJ or Band
Should you tip? Appreciated but not required.
Typical tip:
DJ: $50–$150
Live band: $20–$40 per musician
Your entertainment team keeps the energy flowing and the dance floor full. Tips are especially appreciated if they handle complex setups, long travel, or extended hours.
Transportation Drivers
Should you tip? Usually expected.
Typical tip: 10–20% of the bill (if not already included).
Whether you hired limos, shuttles, party buses, or vintage cars, tipping drivers is standard. Many already include gratuity in the contract—so check that first.
Florist
Should you tip? Optional.
Typical tip: $50–$150 for the lead designer; $20–$50 for delivery/set-up staff.
Your florist might spend days preparing blooms and hours creating installations. A tip is a thoughtful way to recognize their artistry and labor, especially if they handle complicated on-site set-ups.
Venue Staff
Should you tip? Sometimes included.
Typical tip: $20–$40 for each setup/cleanup attendant, if not already in the contract.
Some venues include staffing service charges; others do not. If the maintenance or setup crew goes above and beyond, tipping is a kind way to show appreciation.
Baker / Cake Designer
Should you tip? Not expected.
Typical tip: $10–$25 for delivery drivers.
Cake designers usually do not expect tips, but delivery staff may appreciate a small gesture.
How to Organize Your Wedding Vendor Tips
The easiest way to stay organized is to prepare labeled envelopes in advance. Include:
Vendor name
Amount
Your signature or small note (“Thank you for making our day magical!”)
Hand these envelopes to your wedding planner or a trusted family member to distribute throughout the day. This keeps you stress-free and ensures no one is forgotten.
Other Meaningful Ways to Say Thank You
If cash tipping isn’t feasible, consider:
Handwritten letters of appreciation
Public social media shoutouts
5-star reviews on Google, The Knot, Yelp, or Facebook
Referrals to newly engaged friends
A small gift that reflects your appreciation
Most vendors cherish heartfelt gratitude just as much as monetary tips.
Final Thoughts
Tipping your wedding vendors is a personal decision influenced by your budget, the service you received, and how each vendor contributed to your day. While not every tip is expected, each one is deeply appreciated. Above all, tipping provides a heartfelt way to say thank you to the people who worked tirelessly to bring your wedding vision to life.
