How Much to Tip Your Wedding Vendors
Transfer of money from hand to hand via Shutterstock
It’s no secret that wedding expenses add up. But unless you want to get a side-eye and stink face from certain wedding vendors, you’ll also have to add on a tip or two.
Be sure to designate trusted people—we’re looking at you, best man—to pass along the envelopes, so you don’t have to carry around a wad of cash during the party. Here’s what’s customary for each vendor.
Wedding Planner
Protocol: Optional.
How much: They’ve been your go-to since the beginning, so if you want, thank them with a gesture that says “I couldn’t have done it without you.” Give a nice gift or a few hundred dollars. An added thank you: give them the OK to use a few shots from your wedding for their event portfolio.
When: This should come from the bride herself, either at the end of the reception or via snail mail.
Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist
Protocol: Expected.
How much: 20 percent.
When: At the end of your services.
Ceremony Officiant
Protocol: If the person doing your ceremony is affiliated with a church or synagogue, you’re expected to make a donation to the institution. If he or she is nondenominational, like a Justice of the Peace, no tip is expected.
How much: Donate $500+ to the church or synagogue, or, for a nondenominational officiant, give an optional tip of $50 to $100.
When: The best man should deliver an envelope at the end of the ceremony.
Delivery Staff for Flowers, Cake, Linens, etc.
Protocol: Expected.
How much: $5 to $10 per person.
When: Envelopes should be given to your catering manager, so he or she can hand them out when signing off on deliveries.
Photographer
Protocol: Optional.
How much: $50 to $200.
When: Hand him or her the tip at the end of the reception, or if your session ends before the party does, send a thank you note with the check.
Wedding Reception Staff (Catering Manager, Waitstaff, etc.)
Protocol: Expected.
How much: A service charge (typically 2 percent) is usually included in the final bill, so check your contract for that, as well as whether it covers gratuity. If it doesn’t, tip 15 to 20 percent of the total food and drink fee.
When to Tip: If the final bill wasn’t due before the reception, then have the father of the bride or Best Man hand the envelope to the catering manager.
Reception Musicians
Protocol: Optional, but common.
How much: $20 to $25 per musician; $50 to $150 for DJs.
When: At the end of the reception, by the best man.
Wedding Transportation
Protocol: Expected.
How much: Gratuity is usually included in the contract, but if it’s not, tip 15 to 20 percent of the total bill.
When: The best man should hand them the tip after the last ride.
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