Style & Decor

Tipping Vendors?

Is it customary? My biggies aside from the venue (which is doing the food and beverages) are the florist, DJ and Photographer. If yes, how much? 20%?

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 12:08 PM | Vendors are allowed to participate

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jaden

Married: 10/31/2009

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Events By Excellence

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 12:23 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Hi there CONGRATS AND BEST WISHES! Tips are ALWAYS a plus for vendors but as I tell brides I know money may be tight after all is said and done so if you didn't put tipping in the budget and you have exceeded it word of mouth is EXCELLENT as well! I hope this helps have a WONDERFUL WEDDING!

Cathy Deschamps

Deschamps Photography

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 12:34 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Tipping photographers is not expected, but appreciated. A flat rate instead of % such as $50-150 as a suggestion. You can judge based on what you are paying the photographer.

Goodnote

Steve Hoffman - GOOD NOTE DJs

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 1:47 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Is your DJ working for himself (i.e., he's got his own company)? Or is he an employee or independent contractor from a larger company or booking agency? If the former, a tip is nice but not necessary, IMO. An independent DJ like myself should charge a professional fee that fairly compensates him for his work. This is not to say such a DJ would refuse a tip ... but a DJ like me doesn't "work for tips" so to speak. If the latter, that DJ is probably getting a very modest fee from the company or booking agency you hired him from. Those sorts of DJs do really look forward to the tip as part of their payment (because, believe me, they are only getting a piece of what you're paying the company or booking agency!). As to the amount of the tip, I agree that a flat rate -- something in the $50 or $100 range -- is pretty common. If you really like your DJ, florist, or photographer, post a 5-star review of them on WeddingWire. That's the most valuable "thank you" you can give a vendor!

The Potters

Married: 09/12/2009
Reviews: 8

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 1:48 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Another idea is to get them a gift card if you think they deserve something extra. To a restaurant or bed bath beyond, something like that

Tracey

Wedding: 05/22/2011

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 2:01 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I believe most reception venues include gratuity in their charge. Other vendors do not require a tip, but it is nice for them, I'm sure! Decide based on how well they do!

jaden

Married: 10/31/2009

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 6:37 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Thanks everyone, - really great feedback. I had thought about the gift card idea - I work for Williams-Sonoma so was thinking of giving them one from there if I do decide on a gratuity and it's something I can send to them after the fact. I will also do the review - great idea.

Debi B.

Cater It Simple

Posted On: Oct 30, 2009 at 11:06 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Just wanted to add that an an owner of a company, I do not expect a tip to be given to me, personally. . We are a rare caterer who does not charge a gratuity up front (I find that practice to be a bit arrogant). We do not charge them .... we do not expect them. . But any tips rec'd from our clients are appreciated & divided up among my staff .... the ones who make the event work! So as mentioned above, check your contract to see if it was included or not. . FYI: In the catering world, a "service fee" is not the same as a "gratuity", so don't be confused over the terms. . I will also totally agree that a great review and great word of mouth is the best "thanks" we can receive! It's what helps us grow!

ScottishDJ

Accent Events

Posted On: Oct 31, 2009 at 9:25 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Like Steve said, a good, reputable DJ company should price what they need to to cover overheads and provide a profit sufficient to run their business, without needing a tip to make up the shortfall. That said, should you decide to generously tip your DJ at the end of a job well done, there's really no expectation of how much that should be. 10% of what you paid them, in most cases, would be viewed as incredibly kind - but, hey, even a gift card that they can actually use, is still a gift card they didn't have before, right?

AmberWEvents

Amber Watson Events

Posted On: Oct 31, 2009 at 11:54 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Jaden- I always ask my bride/groom if they want to factor tips into their budget. I suggest it for the vendors that do an exceptional job-regardless if they work for themselves or for a company. If you're going to tip, I always suggest 10-15% of what you paid that vendor. The best tip any vendor can get is a fantastic review and you spreading the word!

Fontainebleau Strings

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 1:50 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Hear, hear! Keep your cash and write a wonderful (true) review for your musicians and anyone else who made your wedding beautiful. Word-of-mouth is so much more valuable than any publicity I could buy! Having said that, we received tips a couple of times, and that was very nice too.

Topics

Etiquette and Customs