Guide to Tipping Your Vendors

 Style-Architects Weddings & Events



We get that weddings are expensive, so tipping is a sensitive subject for many. This is a service industry, and tips are part of the financial equation for many vendors, not to mention recognition that their hard work and extra effort did not go unnoticed. That said, tipping is always at your discretion.

Generally, tips are handed out the day of or paid with the final billing unless otherwise noted below. You may hand these out yourself or place tips in separate, sealed envelopes with names written on the outside for us to distribute. We suggest giving these to us at the rehearsal so you don't have to remember or catch vendors on the wedding day. Tips can be in cash, but if you are giving them to us to hold, we prefer checks as it is safer and easier to mail in the event we miss a vendor. You may also Venmo vendors post-event if you prefer.

EXPECTED

DJ -

The DJ ensures that the event leaves a lasting impression on your guests. If the DJ was booked through an agency, then they get a lesser amount of the invoice than a sole proprietor and they rely even more heavily on tips as part of their income.

  • 15% of the total bill, $200 minimum

Hair & Makeup Artist -

Standard "salon visit" tipping rules apply. If your bridal party is paying for their services, they will take care of their tips - just be sure to set this expectation with them. Some agencies automatically charge a tip, so check your final invoice.

  •  18 - 20%

Officiant -

Although this tip is in the "expected" category, it doesn't necessarily need to be cash. If the officiant is a family member or friend, they might appreciate a more personal gift. Most religious officiants won't accept a cash gift but prefer a donation to their house of worship. If you are hiring a professional officiant, a cash tip is expected.

  • $50 - $100 (Generally given at the rehearsal or by the planner following the ceremony)

Transportation/Valet -

Often transportation gratuity is included on the invoice. But if not, you would tip on transportation for wedding party vehicles and guest shuttles. If you offer valet to your guests, they are generally tipped on a total number of estimated cars.

  • 15 - 20% of the total for shuttle drivers

  • $1 - $2 per car parked for guests

GENERALLY TIPPED

Photographer & Videographer -

Photographers/videographers not only spend a great deal of time with you on your wedding day but also after the event in post-production of your images/video. If you feel they have gone above and beyond during your engagement session or on the day of, a tip is always appreciated.

  • $200-$300 for the lead

  • $100 for assistants

Photobooth Attendant -

They're handing out props, encouraging people to "say cheese", and interacting with your guests to get their photos taken. If they've done a stand-up job, you may want to include them in your tip count. Since you might not know how well they are doing, you can always provide an envelope and leave to our discretion if it should be handed out.

  • $50

Band/Ceremony or Cocktail Musicians -

Whether ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, the musicians on your wedding day make sure to have the perfect music to entertain your guests!

  • $40-50 per Ceremony/Cocktail Musicians

  • $100 per Reception Band member (don't forget the sound technician)

Venue Site Director -

This is the person who helped to set up your event and get all the little details ironed out. Often this person is also onsite, though with some companies, this is passed on to another individual - in which case this tip would be split. When onsite day-of, this person assists with the running of the event and ensures all goes smoothly. Sometimes they can make exceptions that save you money or go the extra mile with special requests.

  •  $100-$200

Bartenders -

If you host any portion of the bar throughout the evening, you will tip on behalf of the guests (unless you are comfortable with tip jars on the bar). If it is a cash bar, tip jars on the bar are expected. It is best to check with the venue to see if any portion of the fees you are paying go towards tips for the bartenders.

  • $150 per bartender (this can be given to the bartenders at the end of the event or added to the final post-event accounting)

Catering Staff -

You will see a service charge on your invoice but that is not a tip. The service charge is to cover administrative costs and overhead for your event. No portion of this is provided to service staff . Put the tips in envelopes by category and they will distribute based on number of hours worked. (A wait staff that works 10 hours will get twice the tip as someone who works 5 hours). Catering companies have a tipping formula for dissemination and can add to paychecks as well.

  • Banquet Manager/Captain - $200

  • Chefs - $200

  • Wait Staff - $75-100

(Gratuity can be added to your final bill as one lump sum or cash tips handed out at the end of the event. If the caterer asks for a tip based on a percentage, I suggest adding a custom amount based on the parameters above.)

IF YOU ARE FEELING GENEROUS

Floral Designer -

Although you see your floral designer for just a split second on your wedding day, they work hard the days leading up to your wedding to ensure that your flowers are perfect. During the setup and the flip, they come in to be sure that your floral vision comes to life.

  • $100 - $200. (Since you might not see your designer on your wedding day, you can either send the tip, or give it to your coordinator.)

Delivery Personnel -

Throughout the day we get linens, chairs and other items delivered on your behalf. In some instances, these items are dropped off and in others, the staff sets them up. It's nice to reward these crew members with some cash to go get a snack after a long set.

  • $10 - $20 per vendor company

  • $50 if a half day set, $100 if a full day (such as a tent and everything inside)

AND THEN THERE IS US

Wedding Planner/Coordinator -

Well, this is awkward and that's why we listed ourselves last, but as one of your vendors, we too are part of this conversation. We always hope to go above and beyond for you throughout the planning process and of course, on your wedding day. Tips for us aren't expected but are greatly appreciated.

  • 10 - 20% of total fee for the lead is typical per industry standards

  • $100 for assistants