Should we tip the DJ and photographer?

I don't think you have to tip, since you're already paying them for their services. Are you providing them with a nice meal at your reception?

I tipped the DJ, but not the photographer.

And I fed both of them.

You tip what you can afford to tip and also tipping is about if they go out of their way and to an amazing job also realize that alot of times just giving a really good review is the best tip you can give because it brings them more ppl. I'm not a vendor so I don't *really* know, I've just heard alot of them say this. Everyone appreciates tips but they also know that sometimes we just don't have money to do it.

We're paying for the photographer's meal at the reception but not the DJ (we tried to convince him to eat but he refused, said he likes to eat beforehand... told us to save our money so we can invite someone else, lol).

I definitely plan on writing reviews for them if they're excellent.

@Rosie - I love the point you make about already paying for their services... that's how I feel but I dunno, I just don't want them to think I'm a jerk or something.

We tipped both the photograpers at the chapel and the photographer we had in the afternoon for our photo tour around Vegas. We love our pics and havve received so many compliments on our photos.

We did not have a DJ.

Mel, I'd have to agree with Rosie on this one too! If you're cost-conscious as well, maybe better than a type can be things like:

- A thank you card telling them how much you enjoyed them

- A really nice feedback report on their website of WW if they're on here!

I don't think they expect a tip but if the service is truly above and beyond judge at that time and it'll seem worth it!

Oopss..i meant tip, not type...those aren't even close to each other! oh boy...

If you feel they provided service above and beyond the expected, give them a tip. I don't know anyone who hates getting an extra reward for their efforts.

Thanks for all the great responses! I'll probably give them a tip if they're really wonderful and a nice thank you card and review.

How much should they be tipped? Is it a percentage of what they're already paid or is it a flat rate? Or does it depend on some other factors?

If he refused to take the meal and told you to invite someone else then he knows your tight on money. I'd let them know you plan on writing them a really great review and get a thank you card.

We're tipping both.. unless they SUCK! lol

How much tip should you give, if you choose to? 15%?

Well my fiance is a DJ and I know he would appreciate a tip. I plan on tipping both at my wedding assuming I am satisfied with there services.

I've read other discussions by photographers and the consensus is that nobody expects to get tipped. Actually, the last time I got tipped, I spent that money getting the bride some extra prints. Don't feel like you need to tip. You mentioned that you will give good reviews if the service is good, and that is the most valuable thing you can do for any of your vendors.

@Daniel - That's really, really sweet of you to do that for the bride!

From a DJ point of view, a tip is not is not expected but always appreciated. You shouldn't be concerned at the low rate they quoted you because if they expected more for their services they should have charged more. Remember that a\tips is actually an acronym that stands for To Insure Proper Services (T.I.P.S.) If you feel that the vendor did an outstanding job and YOU feel it is absolutely necessary, then a typical tip for a DJ is anywhere from 10 -20%.

We tipped the DJ & Bartenders, but not the photographer. However, we fed them all (including the caterers/servers & the wedding planner). We also fed the photog the night before when he came over

I think as a general rule, if the person owns the company (e.g. many photogs, videogs, DJ's, etc.), then you should not tip them. They should be giving you 110% for the amount they charged you to keep them in business. You shouldn't have to pay them extra to do their best.

An employee of one of your wedding vendors, on the other hand, might appreciate it. Many DJ's have several DJ's working for them at various events on a given Saturday...and they're only getting a small bit of what you paid the owner. A monkey can play music off an iPod or laptop...but a good DJ will make or break your reception.

I rarely have anyone offer me a tip, and I always try to decline if it comes directly from the bride or groom. But last weekend, however, a groomsman brought me a huge tip from the B&G, so I took it. I then used that tip to hire myself for extra reception coverage, instead of leaving after her package was up.

But as the business owner...I do love all the "thank you" emails I get!