A Guide to Tipping Your Wedding Vendors

Tipping your wedding vendors is one of our most frequently requested questions. "To whom should I give a tip? How much should I tip? What time should I give them it? Is tipping required at all? And the list is endless. Fortunately, there are no hard and fast rules regarding wedding vendor advice. Any thank-you present is a kind gesture, and your vendor staff will undoubtedly value it. Everyone, including your vendors, knows a wedding requires a significant financial outlay. Although we are confident that tips will be politely welcomed, it is acceptable if tipping exceeds your price range. To guarantee that everything is done as you had imagined, your vendor team will put in endless hours before and on your wedding day. A modest gesture of gratitude, such as cash, a well-considered present, or simply a handwritten note of appreciation, makes a big difference! Certain vendors may or may not be subject to tipping regulations in their contracts or industry. However, we asked our Flowersarch Vendor Guide members to get their opinions on the matter and provide you with some clear-cut solutions to your wedding-related queries. You'll give your professionals the credit they deserve with these pointers (get it?) and some additional advice from Pittsburgh wedding planner Nicole of Exhale Events!

Hair Stylists & Makeup Artists

Tipping is widely encouraged and typically anticipated in this category. With good reason, tipping your glamorous team for the day generally entails a regular 20%. You look FABULOUS around them. Even though most stylists' contracts don't specifically include tipping, it's always a kind gesture, and our poll indicates that most stylists get tips frequently. Small presents or gift cards for items like coffee are other ways to express gratitude to your hair and makeup crew. After all, these folks frequently get up early to make you seem stunning!

Wedding Dress Boutiques & Alterations

Although most wedding shops and sawists don't need gratuities, sending a thank-you card or small gift is always a good idea if your experience was fantastic!

Cake Baker

One of the most delicious aspects of your day is your cake or dessert. Even though it's baked with much love, these vendors often don't ask for or accept tips. Nonetheless, a personal card would be a great way to express your gratitude!

DJs & Musicians

The results of our survey of members of the Flowersarch Vendor Guide were ambiguous. While some DJs stated that they are typically tipped, others said they are not. Although it is appreciated, most DJs don't anticipate tips. A present, nevertheless, would undoubtedly be welcomed. It may be as sophisticated as wine, cigars, or pastries or as straightforward yet considerate as gift cards and internet evaluations!

Bartenders, Caterers, & Waitstaff

Verify your agreements with your caterer, bartenders, and other food service suppliers. Most likely, your final charge already includes a typical tip of 15% to 20%. A modest gift or tip is welcomed if you thought they went above and beyond. The majority of waitstaff receive tips from the gratuity cost that is already covered by your contract. Still, if you feel compelled to tip extra, we are confident they will value the gesture and recognition!

Officiants

You probably already pay a little price when you hire an officiant or work with a priest, pastor, or minister from a church, but their contract doesn't typically cover tipping. Although most officiants don't ask for tips, if you think they went above and beyond to make your ceremony memorable, a gift card or cash is a thoughtful way to express gratitude. Depending on the circumstances, This might be between $50 and $100.

Photo Booths & Other Rentals

Rentals may improve your wedding's décor and guests' experience, and picture booths ensure that the fun of the evening is remembered while offering a charming memento. In these categories, members of the Flowersarch Vendor Guide told us that while they typically don't get tips, it's always appreciated when they do. In that instance, it's usually a gift card or a little money.

Stationery Designer

Your wedding day's beauty is enhanced, and your stationery sets the tone. You can use paper, fonts, and embellishments to tell your love story on anything from your save-the-dates to your invitation suite to your day-of pieces. We adore it when couples decide to carry out their wedding paper concept by collaborating with a local stationery artist. We polled our favorites and got a mixed response, with half saying they get a tip and the other half not. Most of those who did receive something were given money, but gift cards, wine, and chocolates were more frequently offered.

Transportation

Most transportation firms will either inform you that you must tip your driver or include the gratuity in their final invoice. Cash is highly recommended in this category, and approximately $100 for each driver is suitable. Even if your contract consists of a gratuity, it's always a good idea to go above and beyond!

Florist

Unexpectedly, florists are not frequently tipped despite spending much time creating the floral arrangements you have always dreamed of for your wedding. A floral invoice usually does not include a gratuity, and the florists in our Flowersarch Vendor Guide stated that they do not anticipate receiving one. But if you're feeling giving and adore your flowers, giving them a small present is always good. Although monetary gifts are always appreciated, other suggestions include giving them a donation to their preferred charity or a lovely candle!

Photographer & Videographers

Ultimately, the only things you have left from your wedding day are your pictures and recordings. These experts are left to handle all the laborious tasks of documenting a lovely day's sentiments. Our survey indicates that, while not always, photographers and videographers receive tips. They also love little personal gifts or gift cards, though they surely don't expect them.

Wedding Planners

Your day will run well, thanks to your wedding planner. They keep everything organized and ensure everyone gets where they need to be at the right time. They are the logistics (and occasionally design!) experts. A gratuity, which can range from $100 to $500 depending on the service level, is given to wedding planners roughly half the time, even though they never anticipate it. Giving your planner a modest gift is usually a fantastic way to show your appreciation if you don't want to provide them with cash. 

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