When it comes to weddings, there are countless details to consider, from the dress to the decor to the vendors you choose to work with. One question that often comes up for couples planning their big day is whether or not to tip their wedding vendors. The answer? It depends.
First of all, it’s important to note that tipping is never mandatory. If you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t feel comfortable tipping, that’s okay. A great way to ensure they feel valued even if you don’t have it in the budget to tip is to leave a 5-star review singing their praise. However, if you have room in your budget and your vendors have gone above and beyond to make your day special, a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation.
Tipping Guidelines
If tipping your wedding vendors is not financially feasible, don’t worry. A great alternative is leaving a glowing review for the vendor online. A 5-star review that praises the vendor’s work can be incredibly helpful for their business, and it doesn’t cost a thing. This can be especially important for small businesses that rely on word of mouth to attract new clients. So, even if you can’t afford to tip, taking the time to leave a positive review can go a long way in helping the vendors who helped make your wedding day special.
Wedding Coordinator
If your wedding coordinator has done an exceptional job and gone above and beyond to make your day run smoothly, a tip of 10-20% is appropriate. Keep in mind that some coordinators may include a gratuity in their contract, so be sure to check before tipping.
Hair and Makeup Artists
If your hair and makeup artists have traveled to your location on the day of your wedding, a tip of 15-25% is appropriate. If you went to their salon or studio for your day-of makeup and hair look, and you’ve been going to them for a while, a smaller tip or a gift may be more appropriate. Think about it this way, when you go to the salon for a normal cut and style, the standard tip percent is about 15-25%, so the same rules apply here. Not to mention, if they are helping you by coming to you, a little extra is appreciated because the cost of travel isn’t always affordable.
Officiant
If your officiant did not charge you a fee for their services, a donation of $300-500 is appropriate. If they did have a fee, a tip of $50-100 is appropriate.
Photographers/Videographers
A tip of $50-200 per person is appropriate for photographers and videographers. Keep in mind that if you’re working with a larger team, the tip should reflect that. Each photographer and videographer should be tipped personally, and not the team as a whole. Keep this in mind for your engagement pictures as well, as a lot of editing and work goes into each photoshoot.
Catering
Tips for catering are similar to those for dining out at a restaurant. A tip of 20% is appropriate, and it’s important to note that any “service fees” charged by the caterer are not tips. A “service fee” usually goes to the venue as a part of clean-up, and if your caterers did a good job keeping your guests fed, show your gratitude the same way you would at a restaurant. Think about going out to eat at a restaurant, even if the service wasn’t stellar, you still need to tip because that is the entirety of the server’s pay. The same rules apply here.
Bar Staff
Just like with catering, a tip of 20% is appropriate for the bar staff. Some people choose to allow the bar to set out a tip jar for guests to contribute, but this is a personal choice. If you set out a tip jar at the bar, it is still a good idea to tip the bartenders at the end of their evening as a thank you for keeping the guests happy.
DJ
A tip of $50-150 is appropriate for your DJ, depending on how long they’ve been working and how satisfied you are with their services. If they kept the party going and kept guests on the floor dancing, a generous tip may be in order as a thank you to them for making your special day one everyone wants to remember.
Cake Delivery Person
If your cake is being delivered to your venue, a tip of $50 is appropriate. The delivery of a wedding cake can be very stressful, and they also are responsible for helping set up the cake station. This is a significant amount of work and it is important to support those who help prepare for your celebration.
Florist
If your florist is delivering and setting up your flowers and decor, a tip of $50-200 is appropriate. If they’re also helping to break down at the end of the night, you may want to consider tipping more. Some choose to pick up the florals themselves, in which case a tip is not necessary. If you are worried about how tipping vendors will affect your budget, you may want to consider picking up a few things, such as the floral arrangements, yourself.
Always Leave A Glowing Review
It’s important to note that if you’re unable to tip your vendors, leaving a glowing review is a great way to show your appreciation. You can also refer them to friends and family members who may be planning weddings or events in the future. A glowing review is valuable beyond a tip, but remember that each vendor is here to make a living by making your day special, so a tip is always appreciated.
Call The Team at Hidden Creek
At the end of the day, tipping your wedding vendors is not mandatory, but it is a nice way to show your appreciation for all their hard work. If you’re unsure whether or not to tip, consider the level of service provided and your own budget. And remember, even if you can’t tip, a positive review and referrals can go a long way in showing your gratitude.
If you are looking for a beautiful and unique wedding or event space, look no further than Hidden Creek! Our gracious and knowledgeable staff members are here to help you plan your dream event. Contact us today to learn more about our packages and availability. Let us help make your special day unforgettable!
