Tipping Guide

Catering:

If your contract doesn't include gratuity, you should tip 15- 20% of the total bill. Another way to tip is offering $50 to $100 for each chef and $20 to $50 per server.

Bartenders:

They make cash tips behind the bar. If you want to tip them a little extra – it is always appreciated! $100- $150 per bartender is recommended.

Wedding Planner/coordinator:

15–20% of their total service fee. A thoughtful gift card or nice gift is also a suitable tip for your planner.

Photographer and videographer:

10-20% or $250-500 is standard depending on how well your photographer did. 

Officiant:

Oftentimes,  officiants won't accept tips, but a $100 donation to their church is a great way to thank them. If the officiant is non-denominational, consider giving them a $100 tip, especially if they aren't charging for your service.

Hair and makeup artist:

A 15- 25% percent tip is expected, just like it would be for any other regular salon visit, but it isn't required.

Band or DJ:

Offering a 15-20% tip is a nice gesture to your band or DJ, especially if they have to carry a lot of heavy equipment from one location to the next. Or $150-$300 for a DJ.  For musicians, a $50 to $100 tip per band member is appropriate. 

Photo booth attendant:

$50.00

Shuttle bus driver: 

(if all night) $75.00-$150.00

Florist:

The florist doesn't expect a tip. However, if they do an outstanding job, you can consider giving them a 10- 15% tip or a nice gift.

Keep this in mind: Though tipping at weddings has become more of a custom in all service areas, it isn't mandatory or even expected by most wedding vendors. With the exception of the catering staff and possibly the venue, tips are considered a nice surprise by almost all vendors. If you don't have the money to shell out thousands more on tips, there are a few gestures that will go a long way with your team of wedding pros. Send an email with a review, a handwritten thank-you note or a review on Google or Facebook are great ways to show appreciation and offer something the vendor can use when booking future clients. Even better, refer your vendors to your friends — this gesture will go much further than a cash tip!