Tipping Etiquette | What to Tip Your Wedding Vendors
Image by Kelly Brown Photo
These are questions we hear all of the time while working in the wedding industry.
Although tips are never expected, they are always appreciated. Tipping is a simple way to say thank you to the hardworking and creative professionals that give so much of their time, their heart, and their energy to make your dream day come to life. And tipping doesn’t always have to come in a monetary form, there are lots of ways you can “tip” your vendors to show appreciation.
As planners, our clients often come to us with questions, and with years of experience working with couples and vendors we’re here to help remove taboos around tipping. We invite you to scroll down to read our short but sweet, Mae&Co Tipping guide covering all of the in’s and out’s of wedding vendor tipping etiquette.
Images by Cameron Clark Photo
Who should I tip?
Technically, any vendor providing a service on the day-of can be tipped if you are especially impressed with their performance.
This includes (but is not limited to):
Photographer / Videographer
Coordinator / Planner
Hair and makeup stylist
DJ / Musicians
Florist
Transportation
Caterer
Photo Booth
Wait staff
Note: Be sure to read through your vendor contracts to ensure gratuity is not already included on your Invoice!
Image by Anni Graham
How much should I tip?
Here is a list of typical tipping amounts per vendor:
Coordinator / Planner: 10–15% of their fee, or up to $1,000. A thoughtful gift card or nice gift is also a suitable tip for your planner.
Photographers / videographers: $50 - $200 per person onsite
Officiant: $50 - $100
Florist: 5-10% of your total floral bill or a fun gift card
Hair & Makeup: 15 - 20% of total
Transportation: $10 - $20 per driver
Musicians: $20 - $25 per musician / DJ: $50 - $150
Photo Booth: $50 per person onsite
Images by Kelly Brown Photo
When should I tip?
Tips can be distributed once services are complete, either on the day-of or after the event has concluded.
Remember, tipping is not expected, but rather is a way to say an extra thank you for exceptional service!
Pro Tip: Prepare your tips ahead of time! By putting your tips in labeled envelopes, your Mae & Co coordinator can easily handle distributing the day-of payments and vendor tips.
Image by Karra Leigh Photography
What other ways can I support my vendors after the wedding?
Writing a public review for each of your vendors is an extra special way to thank them for the hard work they put into your big day. A review truly makes a world of difference to each and every vendor you work with on your special day. This is such an important way to express gratitude for all the effort that went in to creating your wedding and your review could also be an important tool for future brides when they’re planning a wedding!
Pro Tip: Explain in as much detail as possible, what services they provided and the role it played in your event!
