Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! This is an exciting time, and there are a lot of details to take care of. One thing that many couples forget to think about is tipping wedding vendors. Just like any service industry, it is customary to tip your wedding vendors for a job well done.

But how much should you tip them? And who should you tip? This guide by Weddings of Pittsburgh will answer all of your questions and help make sure you don’t forget anyone on your tipping list!

Why Do I Have to Tip Wedding Vendors?

tipping wedding vendors

This is a common question, and it’s one that makes sense. After all, you are already paying these vendors for their services. But tipping is a way to show your appreciation for a job well done, and it is also a way to ensure that you get good service on your big day. Additionally, many services rely on tips to supplement their income, so it is always appreciated.

Which Wedding Vendors Get a Tip?

tipping wedding vendors

Generally speaking, anyone who provides a service and goes above and beyond to make your wedding day special should be given a tip.

These wedding vendors include but are not limited to:

  • Wedding planners
  • The officiant
  • Hair and makeup artists
  • Musicians
  • Catering staff
  • Wedding DJ
  • Photographers/videographers
  • Transportation companies
  • Delivery people

How Much Should I Tip Wedding Vendors?

tipping wedding vendors

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to tipping vendors, but a good general guideline is to give them each 15-20% of the cost of their services. For example, if your photographer charges $2000 for their services, a 20% tip would be $400.

If you have a large wedding with a lot of vendors, it may not be possible to tip everyone 20%. In this case, you can tip all vendors a lower percentage (like 10-15%). You don’t have to give every vendor the same tip amount either! If someone went above and beyond to make your day special, you can give them a little extra.

What if I Have a Small Wedding Budget?

Even if you have a small budget, it is still important to tip your vendors. Remember, they are providing a service and going above and beyond to make your day special. If you are worried about tipping taking away from other areas of your wedding, there are a few ways to save money elsewhere so that you can still afford to give a proper tip.

For example, you could:

  • Have a smaller guest list
  • Opt for less expensive invitations
  • Choose a smaller venue
  • Use faux flowers instead of fresh ones

At the end of the day, it is up to you how much you want to spend on tipping your vendors. Just remember that it is always appreciated!

When Should I Tip Wedding Vendors?

tipping wedding vendors

Ideally, you would provide cash tips to your vendors at the end of the reception. This way they don’t have to wait for a check to come in the mail. If you’re short on cash, another option is to include tipping as part of your contract with the vendor.

For example, if you’re hiring a catering company, you can ask them to include a gratuity fee in your contract. This way, you don’t have to worry about tipping on the day of the wedding.

What if a Wedding Vendor Did a Bad Job?

tipping wedding vendors

If a vendor did not meet your expectations, you are not obligated to give them a tip. Even if a vendor fell short of your expectations, did they meet all their contractual obligations? If so, you may still want to consider tipping them a reduced amount.

No one’s wedding day is perfect, and even the best vendors can have an off day. Tipping your vendors is a way to show your appreciation for their hard work, regardless of whether everything went perfect.

When a Wedding Vendor Doesn’t Require a Tip

As already noted, not all wedding vendors require a tip, but there are other ways you can show appreciation for a vendor’s good work. A nice gesture will be greatly appreciated.

Here’s some thoughtful ways you can show appreciation for a vendor besides a tip:

  • Thank-you card
  • Positive reviews
  • Public shout-out on social media
  • A bottle of wine or champagne
  • Gift certificate
  • Referral to a friend

What If I’m Not Sure?

tipping wedding vendors

If you’re not sure whether or not to tip a vendor, it never hurts to just ask. Trust me, your vendor will appreciate the consideration. They will be able to tell you if tipping is customary in their industry.

Tipping wedding vendors can be confusing, but hopefully this guide has cleared things up a bit for you. It is normal to have questions like these on your wedding day, and that’s why having an expert wedding planner by your side can be so helpful! They will make sure you don’t forget any important details like tipping and offer insight on who should be tipped.

Post-Tipping – What’s That About?

Post-tipping is a thoughtful practice where you reflect on your vendors’ service, express gratitude through heartfelt thank-you cards and reviews, and consider offering tips if it’s deserved.

Tipping is an important gesture of appreciation, but it may be surprising for you to know that you do not need to provide the tip on the day-of. I remember one bride’s encounter during a bridal fitting where tipping was asked for on the spot in front of her bridesmaids and family. That was just plain rude on the part of the vendor. Firstly, no vendor is entitled to a tip – it is a voluntary gesture if good service is provided. Secondly, it doesn’t hurt to take the time to review your day and assess if the vendor lived up to your expectations.

Navigating the process of tipping is tricky. If you’re seeking guidance on tipping protocol and etiquette, consider scheduling a consultation for expert advice – no tips required, just valuable insights to ensure your expressions of gratitude are handled with finesse.

Too Long Didn’t Read? Here’s the Rundown!

All tips and/or payments should be handed out by your planner. They should be in cash, counted out, and in a sealed envelope with the name of the vendor on the outside.

Vendors that typically require a tip:

  • Caterer: 20% usually already charged on your bill
  • Bartender: $10% of total bar bill (does not include tips from your guests)
  • Rental Delivery Help: $5 to $20 per person
  • Hair: 15% to 20% of total bill, due immediately upon service completion
  • MUA: 15% to 20% of total bill, due immediately upon service completion

Vendors that are optional to tip and based upon performance:

  • Musicians/Band members: $15 to $25 per member
  • DJ: $50 to $150
  • Valet: $1 to $2 per vehicle
  • Limo/Van/Shuttle drivers: $50 to $150
  • Photographer: $50 to $150 (once photos arrive)
  • Videographer: $50 to $150 (once video is received)
  • Florist: 10% of floral bill
  • Officiant: $75 to $150
  • Planner: 15% of total bill

Leave good feedback on all platforms for all vendors, refer them to friends and family, and tag them on Facebook and Instagram talking about how amazing they were. A good referral is so vital to a small business!

Need Help Navigating all the Details? Let This Wedding Planner Handle It All for You!

tipping

If you are still feeling confused about tipping wedding vendors or any other wedding details, that’s totally normal. After all, it’s not like you plan a wedding every day! That’s why hiring a professional wedding team like Weddings of Pittsburgh can be so helpful.

A good wedding planner will help you navigate all the details of your big day, from tipping to vendor contracts. They will also be there on the day of the event to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

Hiring a wedding planner is an investment, but it is one that can definitely pay off in the long run. Planning a wedding is no easy feat, but with the help of a pro, it can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the details, don’t hesitate to reach out to Weddings of Pittsburgh for help! It could be the best decision you make for your big day.

Call me today at 724-968-7135 or book a consultation online to get started. I can’t wait to help you plan the wedding of your dreams!