Weddings involve a lot of vendors and a lot of service staff. In the U.S., those staff typically receive a tip for exemplary service.
Here’s a handy guide for who and what you should tip to keep at your side as you budget.
Photographer and/or Videographer
Tip the main photographer and videographer 5-15% of the contract cost, or $50-$200 per team member. Give the team lead a sealed envelope with the tip and a handwritten thank-you note at the end of the reception.
Wedding DJ
Tip the DJ $50-$100 in a sealed envelope at the end of the reception. The same goes for a live band and any sound technicians. Tip these folks $25-$50 per band member or technician. Ask an attendant or the wedding planner to tip the musical staff at the end of the reception. They may give a lump sum to the bandleader or individual envelopes can be handed out to each person.
Wedding Planner
Tip the wedding planner 15-20% of their total fee or send them a nice gift. Present it in a sealed envelope with a thank-you note at the end of the reception. Gifts should be sent right after the honeymoon.
Hair and Makeup
Tip beauty professionals 15-25% of the total bill, just like you would in a salon. You might consider tipping more for any emergency situations. Hand the tip out at the end of your service.
Wedding Delivery and Setup
Set aside gratuities for any staff delivering and setting up things for the ceremony. Think of the team setting up the sound system, tents, or tables and chairs.
Tip them $10-$50 per person and work with the catering manager or venue coordinator to make sure everyone is included. This tip should be dropped off the day before so the person accepting deliveries can distribute the tips accordingly.
Alterations and Tailoring
Tip the team who alters your dream dress if they do excellent work. Tip your tailor $20-$30, more if extensive work was required. Hand it to them in a sealed envelope at your final fitting.
Catering
Bartenders, waitstaff and other members of the catering team sometimes have a gratuity built into the contract.
If it’s not, or if you want to include more, 15-20% of the food and drink fee is traditional, along with $200-$300 for the maître d’.
Have an attendant or family member give the envelope to the maître d’ at the end of the reception, after the final bill is presented.