By: Lydia Mattern
When you are budgeting your wedding, one thing to consider is the cost of tipping your wedding vendors. While some vendors add gratuity to your invoice, especially those in the food and beverage industry, the majority leave tipping up to the discretion of whoever is paying for their services.
Many wedding vendors do not require or expect a tip, especially if they charge a premium already. However, tipping your vendors is a great way to show them how much you appreciate and value their hard work on your wedding day. With many wedding vendors dedicated to going above and beyond for their couples, tipping is a way to acknowledge this.
Determine how much to tip your vendors in our wedding vendors tipping guide.
Wedding Vendor Tip Amount by Industry
Baker/Cake Designer: $40 for large events
Bartender: 18% of service fee or total liquor bill
Catering Manager: $200+ or a personal gift
Catering Bill: 15-20% of service fee, often included in the invoice (anything a couple gives above and beyond that often goes to catering staff directly)
Chef: $100+
DJ: $100 or 10-15% of fee (depending on experience)
Officiant: $50-$100 for a civil officiant
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: 18-25% of service fee
Musicians: 15% of fee for ceremony musicians; $25 to $50 per musician for reception
Parking Attendants: $1-2 per car
Photographer: $100-250
Rentals (i.e., specialty rentals; luxury restroom trailers; photo booth, etc.): 10-20% of service fee or $100
Shuttle Driver: 15% of service fee
Videographer: $50-200 depending on length of services performed, for example:
6 hour shift- $75
8 hour shift- $150
10 hour shift- $200
Waiters: $20 & up each (handed out by manager)
Wedding Planner: Personal gift or 20% of fee
Wedding Planner, Assistant: $200+
What Wedding Vendors Have to Say
We asked wedding vendors in a variety of industries why tipping is important to them. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“The wedding industry is very relationship oriented. Tipping brings a stronger connection between you and the client.” -Videographer
“I don't expect it, but it's a sweet bonus!” -Photographer
“We go above and beyond for our couples, so it's a way to feel appreciated for the extra work we put in.” -Photographer
“I hold [tipping] as a measure of my performance and compatibility with my clients. I always mention that I do not include a gratuity, but it's always appreciated if you think I've created a memorable experience for everyone.” -DJ
“[A tip] makes me feel valued.” -Officiant
“I definitely don’t expect a tip, but it’s always so nice & meaningful when I receive one!” -Videographer
“A tip is always appreciated as we feel we go above and beyond serving our clients' needs & expectations.” -Baker/Cake Designer
“When couples give anything, I am thankful.” -Photographer
Let us Help You Budget Your Wedding Vendor Tips
While a lot of couples don’t realize the significance of tipping, your wedding day is made possible by the hardworking wedding vendors you hire to make your dream day a reality. At Epic Thyme, we have developed close working relationships with wedding vendors in the Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas and love to help couples determine the best gratuity to enhance their relationship and experience with each vendor.
Let us help you find the best wedding vendors for your wedding and determine who you should tip and how much. Contact us today to learn more about the wedding planning process.