With dozens of tasks on your pre-wedding checklist, it is easy to forget to include wedding vendor tipping in your budget. You want to express gratitude towards the people who contribute to making your special day incredible, but how do you determine who gets a tip, how much they get, and when to deliver the white envelopes? 

Read below for a quick and easy guide on who tip and how to tip for your wedding! 

Our Tips Before You Tip

Read Through Vendor Contracts to See if Gratuity is Included

One important question you should ask before reading any guidelines below: Is gratuity included in any of your wedding vendor contracts? Leading up to your big day, read through each contract to see if gratuity is included in the price. It’s common for venues, catering, and transportation to include gratuity so this is an important consideration. 

Prep Your Tips in Advance

Always prep your tips in advance! You don’t want to be left scrambling or calling family members on your wedding day to coordinate tips. Instead, have the money set aside and labeled in envelopes so it is good to go on the big day. Or, have the online payment method (Venmo, CashApp, Velle) available for all your vendors. 

Factor Tips into Your Wedding Budget

With weddings having 10+ vendors, tips can add up more quickly than you think. Make sure to factor in who you want to tip and how much you want to give as you plan your wedding budget. This also helps you reduce stress from added expenses as your wedding day approaches.

The Who and How of Tipping Your Wedding Vendors

Wedding Planner or Coordinator

Do I have to tip?

Technically no, you are not required to tip your wedding planner or coordinator. However, if they go above and beyond to make your day easy and special, show your appreciation with a tip and thank you note. 

How much should I tip?

The general rule for tipping a wedding planner is 10-20% of their fee. 

When should I tip?

If you have worked with your wedding coordinator throughout the planning process and know you want to give a special thank you, give the tip at the end of the wedding reception. You can also send the tip and a thank you note when you return from your honeymoon. 

Photographer and Videographer

Do I have to tip?

Tipping your wedding photographer or videographer is also optional, especially if they own their own business. However, many couples choose to include a small tip of appreciation. 

How much should I tip?

For a wedding photographer or videographer, the customary tip is $100-$200. If they have an assistant or secondary shooter, you should also include $50-$100 for them. 

When should I tip?

It is customary to tip your photographer or videographer following the reception or when you return from your honeymoon. 

Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists

Do I have to tip?

Yes, you should tip makeup artists and hair stylists as independent contractors even if they are affiliated with your venue. 

How much should I tip?

You should tip your wedding makeup artists and hair stylists 15-25% of their total fee. 

When should I tip?

Tips should be delivered when they complete services for you and your wedding party. 

Wedding Officiant

Do I have to tip?

It is customary to tip your officiant, whether they are a minister you know through a religious affiliation or contracted through your venue. 

How much should I tip?

If your officiant is connected to your church or religious affiliation, it is customary to tip them directly or make an offering to their church. Usually, the amount is between $100-$300. If the officiant is contracted through the venue, a tip of $50-$100 is recommended. 

When should I tip?

You should tip your officiant at the end of your rehearsal.

Delivery and Set Up Staff

Do I have to tip?

Many times, gratuity for delivery and set up staff is included in your venue’s cost. However, if it is not, you should include a tip for the venue set up staff, caterers, and delivery staff.

How much should I tip?

Tips for venue staff range from $5-$20 each. You can also give 15-20% of the total cost of your caterer or set up staff, and let the venue distribute tips. 

When should I tip?

You should tip the day of your wedding, either before or after the reception. 

Bartenders

Do I have to tip?

Bartenders should receive a tip. Gratuity is usually not factored into their fee, even if they are connected to a wedding venue. 

How much should I tip?

Bartenders should receive 10-20% of the cost of alcohol which can be split among multiple bartenders. 

When should I tip?

Bartenders should receive their tips at the conclusion of the reception. Most bartenders will also have a tip jar or online payment link that you can use to give your tip. 

Transportation

Do I have to tip?

Many times, transportation companies include gratuity in the contract. If not, you should tip the buses, shuttles, or cars that transport you to and from the ceremony and reception. 

How much should I tip?

15-20% of the total cost is a customary tip for wedding transportation. 

When should I tip?

Transportation drivers should receive their tip when they pick you up or after they complete the final drive after your reception.

DJs or Musicians

Do I have to tip?

Although optional, tipping DJs or live musicians is always a good choice, especially to thank them for a job well done. 

How much should I tip?

• Ceremony Musicians: 15% of the fee or $15–$25 per musician

• Live Band: $25–$50 per musician

• DJ: 10–15% of the total bill or between $50–$150

When should I tip?

Regardless of whether your musicians or DJ are playing just the ceremony, just the reception, or both, they should receive their tips at the end of their set. 

Have More Questions About Planning Your Wedding Day?

If you have questions about planning your wedding day or want to explore options for an all-inclusive wedding venue that finds the best vendors for you, contact The Chair Factory! We are a factory wedding venue in North Georgia committed to helping couples create an incredible wedding day. Explore our Gallery and Vendors to learn more!