How much do you tip wedding vendors?
How much do you tip wedding vendors?
$20 – $100 average tip amount per vendor
How much to tip wedding vendors
The average amount for tipping wedding vendors is about $20 to $100 or 10% to 20% of their bill, depending on the vendor. Not all vendors expect to get a tip, but according to wedding etiquette, tipping is appropriate when a vendor does a good job or exceeds your expectations.
Wedding vendor tipping calculator
Tipping certain wedding vendors is customary, especially hair and makeup stylists or delivery staff. Other vendors—like transportation or catering services—often include gratuities in their contract, so you don’t have to tip them separately. In most cases, tipping is an optional but thoughtful reward for a job well done.
| Vendor | Suggested tip | Etiquette |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding DJ | $50 – $200 | Optional |
| Wedding officiant | $50 – $100 | Customary, depending on church or organization |
| Alteration professional | $20 – $30 | Optional |
| Photo booth attendant | $50 – $100 | Optional |
| Wedding hair and makeup artists | 15% – 20% | Customary |
| Transportation | 15% – 20% | Customary; sometimes included in the contract |
| Valet attendants | $1 – $5 per car | Customary |
| Wedding planner | 10% – 20% or a gift | Optional |
| Wedding cake baker | $50 – $150 or a gift | Optional |
| Wedding florist | $50 – $150 or a gift | Optional |
| Delivery or setup staff | $5 – $30 per person | Customary |
| Band members | $25 – $50 per person | Optional |
| Ceremony musicians | $20 – $50 per person | Optional |
| Wedding photographer | 5% – 10% and $50 – $150 per assistant | Optional |
| Wedding videographer | 5% – 10% and $50 – $150 per assistant | Optional |
| Wedding catering team | 15% – 20% split amongst the staff | Customary, sometimes included in the contract |
If you’re particularly impressed by a vendor’s service, be sure to share a positive review and relevant photos online.
When and how to tip vendors
While there are no hard and fast rules for when and how to tip vendors, here are some common tipping practices and general guidelines to ensure no one is forgotten on the big day:
Wedding DJ: Tipping your wedding DJ is not required but preferred. Have an attendant or your wedding planner tip the DJ at the end of the reception before they leave.
Officiant: Some clergymen will not accept a tip but appreciate donations to their church or synagogue. Consider giving more if they've spent time with you in premarital counseling. You should pay the officiant at the rehearsal dinner or sometime before the wedding.
Alteration professional: Tipping someone who helps alter your wedding dress or suit is optional but appreciated. If you choose to tip, give it to them at your final fitting.
Photo booth attendant: At the end of the reception, have your planner or a trusted wedding party member give the photo booth attendant a tip if they did well.
Hairstylist / makeup artist: Wedding hair and makeup artists, like those in a salon, typically expect a tip when they’re done. Consider giving extra for difficult styles or last-minute restyling.
Transportation: Limo or town car drivers typically include gratuities in their contract. If it’s not included, plan to tip your driver after the last ride.
Cake baker / florist: These vendors typically do not expect tips, but they are appreciated. You can send a small gift or a tip after the wedding if you feel they went above and beyond.
Wedding planner: Monetary tips are common for wedding planners, but a thoughtful gift is also acceptable. You can hand them an envelope towards the end of the reception or send something after your honeymoon.
Setup staff: Staff who deliver important items such as the wedding cake, flowers, or chairs may deserve a tip. Give some cash in envelopes to their manager before the wedding to the catering manager so they can distribute it appropriately.
Wedding band: If you decide to tip your band, you should include each member. Have an attendant or your wedding planner tip them at the end of the reception, either in a lump sum or separate envelopes.
Ceremony musicians: Tipping your wedding ceremony musicians is optional. If you decide to tip, have someone give it to them at the end of the ceremony before they leave.
Valet attendants: Some couples tip parking attendants ahead of time and leave a sign at the valet stand to notify guests. This saves time and alleviates guests from having to tip.
Photographer / videographer: You're not expected to tip photographers beyond their fee, but it’s always appreciated. If you decide to tip, do it at the end of the reception.
Catering team: Whether you tip your catering team, bartender, or waitstaff depends on your contract. The food and drink fee almost always includes a service charge or gratuity.
Tips for tipping wedding vendors
Now that you know if, when, and how much you should tip your wedding vendors, here are some additional guidelines:
Read your contracts closely. Some vendors include gratuities in their contract, and you’re not expected to tip on top of their fee.
Ask your wedding planner or a trusted loved one to distribute tips to vendors for you.
If you can’t afford to tip, a heartfelt thank you note is an acceptable alternative.
Learn local tipping customs if you’re having a destination wedding.
Make sure you factor all of these tips into your budget ahead of time.
Wedding vendor tipping FAQs
Do you tip wedding vendors?
You should tip a wedding vendor if you feel like they did an excellent job, but it’s not required. Tipping hair and makeup stylists, wedding planners, valet attendants, and waitstaff is customary. However, some vendors include gratuities in their contract, so double check before tipping.
Who is responsible for tipping?
While paying for a wedding traditionally falls on the bride’s parents, the couple often handles tipping wedding vendors. Most set aside money in their budget for tips and entrust the money to a wedding planner or loved one to distribute fairly.
How should I tip wedding vendors?
You should tip wedding vendors via cash, check, or a payment app like Venmo after the corresponding event is over. For example, you should tip ceremony musicians after the wedding ceremony and a DJ or caterers after the reception.
Getting estimates from wedding vendors
Before hiring a wedding service company, follow these important steps:
Compare several quotes from reputable companies.
Confirm that they have a license and insurance.
Read reviews on Fash and Google.
Avoid extremely low or suspicious estimates.
Ask for a detailed, written quote.
Ask if they charge a deposit or any other fees.
Questions to ask wedding vendors
Ask the following questions to find the wedding vendor possible:
Is tipping customary for your line of work?
Does this service charge go directly to your employees?
Do you charge any fees not included in this quote?
How long will I have your services on my wedding day?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you accept last-minute orders or requests?
How do you handle mishaps or hiccups during a wedding?
Do you offer any discounts?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.