Tipping Vendors

Well it’s just typical to tip 20% over whatever the total cost is and that’s what we did. It’s a lot of money but it’s worth it.

View Quoted Comment But do you tip each vendor 20% individually?

You could do $100 each vendor if you cannot afford the 20%. I know on another forum someone said if they did 20% for the DJ it would be $800.

Oh my...each vendor 20 percent. Tips alone is another expense added to the list.

I'm using this cheat sheet -

https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet

Because we will not be tipping 20% for each vendor. Truly just can't afford to tack that on, and don't necessarily feel like it's needed for some of the vendors!

View Quoted Comment Yes we tipped each vendor 20 percent and some a bit more such as the Valet, DJ and bartender who went way out of their way to accommodate our guests.

I am a wedding photographer that is getting married in just a few weeks and I have NEVER been tipped on top of my normal fees. You are paying your vendors their prices and they do not need to be tipped and will never expect to be. Bartenders might be the only "vendor" you need to tip!

View Quoted Comment This is what I used as well! We aren't tipping 20% to everyone, though some vendors have a 20% tip already built into the price (catering, hair/makeup, transportation, etc). We also are tipping those delivering items (cake, florist, etc). For others, we tipped what we felt was right. For vendors such as photographer, DJ, etc, if you feel that that they did a great job, you could tip anywhere between $25-$200.

View Quoted Comment I agree 👍

We tipped the caterer's waitstaff/bartenders, the officiant (he didn't have a fee, so we picked a number rather than a percentage), and our coordinator. The general rule is you don't tip a business owner, so we did not tip the photographer, because she was the owner of her business. We did not have a DJ. We actually tipped at a little higher than 20% because of the wonderful job they did.

Check to see if a gratuity is tacked on in any of your contracts, because that should cover the tip.

General rule, venue, catering etc will have service charge built in and or itemized already on the quote ( no need to tip unless you feel compelled to for an exceptional job). Can tip for small mom/pop vendors where it is unclear if quote/price includes service charge. DJ's, Valets, and individuals ( makeup, hair etc) a discretionary tip is welcomed. Most businesses should quote flat price. If more informal help is being provided ( ie. neighbors kids, friends, acquaintances etc). Should tip or at the very least take to dinner/lunch or something meaningful depending on the person or relationship with them as a thank you to acknowledge their contribution.

Do what you can but don't hurt yourself financially.

We are planning rounding off to the nearest 100. for example if the DJ is charging you 940 just give them the 1000.

Actually, the Service Charge does not always include the Gratuity. It is best to ask the venue and/or caterers if it is included or separate.

View Quoted Comment

Appreciate the insight!

Great insight!!

View Quoted Comment This is super helpful, thank you!

View Quoted Comment Oh I like this! Thank you!

Is it expected by the general population? Yes. Is it wise? Not in the least. A tip should never be given on the wedding day to anyone because you don’t have any idea who is doing their job above and beyond and who doesn’t care that they are a no show. That is why you wait until 1-2 weeks after the wedding when you are no longer on Cloud 9 and you can assess everyone with a clear mind before you give tips only to those who went above and beyond the call of duty.