Although tipping can often fall low on the priority list in terms of things to prepare in advance, it is often one of the questions we get the MOST from parents the week of the wedding. While tipping amounts often vary, here are a few pointers that we like to share with our couples as general rules to follow:
If the owner of the company is present at your wedding (i.e. photographer, lead wedding planner, etc), it’s more customary to give a gift than a monetary tip. If there is an associate planner or photographer is present, a $50-100 tip is fair.
Officiants don’t have to be tipped, but a donation to the church is recommended.
Hair and makeup artists should be tipped 15-20%.
For plated meals, servers should be tipped 10-20% of the total catering bill, divided among the servers. For a buffet style meal, servers can be tipped $30-40/person.
Bartenders should be tipped 15-20% of the total bar bill.
Ceremony musicians and band members should be tipped $20/person.
Transportation drivers should be 15-20% of the total bill.
Collectively, there is no one right or wrong way to go about tipping, but I would strongly recommend factoring tipping amounts into your overall budget. Your vendors work very hard throughout the wedding planning process, and it’s important to thank them for their assistance in bringing your vision to life.
TIP: One of the greatest gifts you can give to your vendors is leaving reviews after the wedding. Reviews from former couple’s can not only increase visibility to those newly engaged, but can oftentimes lead to booking future clients as well.