Vendor tipping guide: who to tip and how much
Tips are the easiest part of your wedding budget to forget until the day itself, when someone asks who's handling the DJ's envelope. A little prep now saves an awkward scramble later and makes sure the people who made your day run smoothly feel appreciated.
Who typically gets tipped
Vendors who work for themselves (many photographers, florists, and small-business officiants) usually don't expect tips, while staff working for a company often do. Good default amounts: hair/makeup 15-20%, catering staff 15-20% (check your contract for included gratuity first), delivery/setup crews and drivers 15-20%, and DJs or band members $50-150 per person. Coordinators or planners typically get $100-500 based on how much they handled.
Prep envelopes ahead of time
Two weeks before the wedding, list every vendor, their tip amount, and cash denominations needed. Buy plain envelopes, label each with the vendor's name, and seal the cash inside. Keep a small buffer of extra small bills in case a vendor brings an assistant you didn't budget for.
Delegate distribution
You'll be busy, so hand the envelopes to your day-of coordinator, best man, or a trusted family member with a simple list of who gets what and when (many are handed out at the end of the night). This avoids the common mistake of forgotten tips or double-tipping the same vendor.
Key Takeaways
- Check contracts first: some caterers and venues already build gratuity into the bill
- Budget 1-2% of your total wedding cost for tips across all vendors
- Label and prep cash envelopes two weeks before the wedding
- Assign one trusted person to distribute tips so it's not on you
- Business owners (many photographers/florists) don't require tips, but staff usually do
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Source: www.theknot.com