Planning your wedding is an exciting and busy time, and tipping vendors can often feel like one more thing to figure out. Understanding when, how, and who to tip is an important part of showing appreciation for those who help bring your big day to life. However, before you start calculating gratuities, make sure to check if tipping is already included in your final bill, as some vendors incorporate it into their pricing. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask! Here’s a breakdown of recommended tipping guidelines to help you navigate this part of wedding planning with ease.

What Does Tipping Mean?

Tipping is an optional way to show extra appreciation for exceptional service, but it’s not mandatory. It’s typically done in cash and handed out in envelopes at the end of the night. However, don’t feel pressured—if your budget is tight, a thoughtful thank you note can be just as meaningful. The key is showing gratitude in the way that works best for you.

Budgeting for Tips: Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to avoid tipping stress is to include tips in your overall wedding budget from the start. This way, they don’t sneak up on you as a last-minute surprise expense. Set aside a small percentage of your budget for tips, so you’ll have the funds ready when it’s time to thank your vendors. It’s much easier to plan for this ahead of time than to scramble at the end.

Pre-Wedding Services Tips

• Hair & Makeup Team: For beauty services, tipping 15-20% of the total bill is standard, just like at a salon. If you have assistants like shampoo attendants, tipping them $5-$10 each is a thoughtful gesture.
• Manicurist & Pedicurist: Tipping 15-20% of the total bill for these services ensures that your glam squad feels appreciated for getting you wedding-ready.
• Massage Therapists or Spa Services: If you treated yourself to a pre-wedding massage, a 20% tip is standard practice to thank your masseuse for helping you de-stress before the big day.
• Party Entertainers: If you’ve hired entertainment for your pre-wedding events (like an engagement party or bridal shower), tipping 20% of the booking fee is customary.

Wedding Ceremony Tips

• Officiant: For religious officiants, tipping isn’t necessary, but a donation of $100-$500 to their institution or church is common. For non-religious officiants, consider a tip of around $50-$100 for their services.
• Ceremony Musicians: Whether you have a string quartet or a solo guitarist, tipping $20-$50 per musician is customary, especially if they’ve performed beautifully or added a special touch to the ceremony.
• Florist: While florists don’t always expect tips, it’s a kind gesture to give $10-$20 per person if their team has set up multiple delivery locations or gone the extra mile with setup.
• Limousine or Transportation Driver: If gratuity isn’t included in your final transportation bill, consider tipping 10-20% of the total cost to your driver, especially if they’ve been patient, timely, and accommodating.

Reception Tips

• Valet: If you’re providing valet service for guests, prearrange a tip of $1-$2 per car with the valet supervisor. A sign can be posted letting guests know the gratuity is already taken care of.
• Caterer: This is one area where gratuity may already be included, but if not, a tip of 15-20% of the total catering bill is appropriate. Be sure to confirm with your catering manager before assuming.
• Banquet or Catering Manager: If your manager has gone above and beyond by throwing in extras or offering a discount, a tip of $50-100 is a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
• Waitstaff: The staff working hard to serve your guests will greatly appreciate an extra $20-$50 per server, especially if they’ve offered top-notch service.
• Bartenders: Similar to catering, gratuity may be included in your final bill, but if not, tipping bartenders 10-15% of the bar bill or $50-$100 per bartender is standard.
• DJ or Band: Music sets the tone for the reception! Tip your DJ around $50-$150, depending on the length of the event. For live bands, tipping $25-$50 per member is a good rule of thumb.
• Photographer and Videographer: While gratuity isn’t always expected, tipping $100-$300 for the head photographer or videographer is a generous way to thank them for capturing your special moments and he/she can give a split to the assistant.
• On-Site Venue Coordinator: If your venue has a coordinator who ensures everything runs smoothly, consider tipping $100-$200, especially if they’ve been involved throughout the process.
• Wedding Planner: Your wedding planner likely played a pivotal role in bringing your vision to life. Tipping 10-20% of their fee is a common way to show your appreciation for their hard work and attention to detail.

Tipping your wedding vendors is a meaningful way to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication in making your day unforgettable. However, we know the process can sometimes be overwhelming! At J. Ladson Weddings, we’re here to guide you through every detail, from organizing your vendor contracts to navigating tipping etiquette. Our team will ensure no detail is missed, allowing you to focus on enjoying your day. Let us take the stress off your shoulders, so you can savor every moment! Reach out to us today to learn how we can make your dream wedding a reality by scheduling a complimentary consultation https://jladsonweddings.com/contact

Follow Us

Make sure you’re following us on all our social media, and check out our website so you stay connected!

Instagram www.instagram.com/j_ladsonweddings

Facebook www.facebook.com/jladsonweddings

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jladsonweddings

Website – https://jladsonweddings.com/

*** All pictures are linked with photographer website source***