Do you tip the DJ?

I have a wedding tipping sheet - it says tipping the DJ is optional. And if you do choose to I think it would be on the wedding night. It seems strange to tip someone before they have done anything!

What's crazy is him implying a tip. That's something you do on your own without him edging you towards it. That would annoy me. But you tip the night of.

I think thats rude of the DJ to have a "pre-tip" amount, like he's expecting tips. Tips should NEVER be asked for and just appreciated. I would go with a different DJ if you haven't put your deposit down. I would definitely be turned off by someone that "expects" a tip. If he thinks he deserves more money, then he should just increase his rate.

I just feel like we'd be occupied the night of...would we designate someone else to tip him? Or can we tip him the next day via credit card or something? I just never considered this...

Sounds like it's not standard, though...so we don't have to tip unless he was really awesome?

@Sarah, where did you get the wedding tip sheet from? That sounds handy. Now I'm wondering who else requires tip...florist? I have no idea other than the caterer and hair/makeup, etc.

He wasn't presumptuous with it, btw...just talked about pricing and he mentioned the amount includes tax, service, some lights, etc....and the only thing it doesn't cover is tip if we choose to tip him.

I guess that did make us feel like we should tip....idk he seemed nice otherwise. I just didn't think that was a thing since I've never hired a DJ before for anything....

@Lolerskates If you do plan on tipping the DJ and other vendors (which you should think about), I would suggest putting cash or check in individual envelopes that are labeled and let your best man or MOH or trusted friend be in charge. I've done that for a family member's wedding in the past, and it works out really well.

I've budgeted tips for our band, photographer/videographer, bartenders/wait staff, and transportation drivers.

It's optional. We did not. Our DJ owns his own business and therefore sets his own prices. If it was someone working for a bigger company, I would have.

I did not know you had to tip a DJ?? I thought it was a flat charge for their services. Does he own the business and is he providing the service ? If he has DJ's under him that he sends out then that makes sense to tip but If he owns the company and provides the service himself then I do not understand the reasoning in tipping, but maybe I do not know how all this works either haha!

Can't say what's customary but I plan to tip my DJ and include him in my count so he can eat.

Any pro (and I use the word loosely in his case) who suggested a tip in his price negotiation is a pro that I would automatically not consider. It's presumptuous and arrogant to tell you that.

We tipped ours $150 at the end of the night

@Sarah P. Would you share the tip sheet with us? Im curious who to tip as well!

Just something I'd like to address: The notion that you don't have to tip someone because they own their own business is silly to me. My hair dresser owns the hair salon that I go to and I still tip her after she provides exceptional service. Same applies for anyone who you feel deserves a tip for services provided, regardless of the fact if they own the business or not. The fact that your DJ has made you feel obliged to tip is very rude and off putting.

Use your discretion, but typically it is customary to tip: DJ, photo, video, transportation, officiant, and waitstaff/Maitre'D.

As a MUA who owns their own business every bit of that money goes to me. Yes it does toward gas, new product, and taxes, but I pocket the majority. If a client tips I am happy, if they don't I'm not losing out on anything. They've paid for my service and that alone is enough for me. I never expect tip. If I have an assistant and they don't get tipped I will often tip them. They aren't getting nearly as much out of the service monetarily as I am.

So yes I think it makes a difference whether it's a self owner business or not.

@swolemates that's great for you and all but that's not always the case with all business owners, especially those business owners who have multiple employees to pay and a larger overhead. I'm not saying that business owners SHOULD be tipped, I'm just saying that it shouldn't be a considering factor if you're choosing NOT to tip. I will always tip my makeup artist even if she/he has their own business, and it's usually nothing extensive ($20) but just a small token of appreciation for a job well done. It is completely personal preference and everyone has a difference of opinion, so it's safe to say I will agree to disagree.

I tipped all my vendors. Well, my planner did that night. Our DJ was worth twice what we paid for him, he was amazing!

Tipping is getting out of control. I went to the doctor today. Should I have tipped him too?

Yes I would tip the dj for sure. Most of the time tips are based on how much you are paying for the service.... we are paying about 1000 for the dj so I will probably tip him 100 or 200

I found this sheet on Pinterest ladies not sure of this is what your looking for

Rachel OMG my sentiments exactly. I think we're getting to the point of having a tip jar everywhere. Heck I might put one on my desk lol. But seriously tips aren't (shouldn't be) expected, it's an extra if you feel like they went above or if you can afford it. If you pay $1,000 for Dj services you most definitely don't have to tip, a thank you will suffice. Heck I'd appreciate referrals over an extra five bucks any day.