Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who to Tip, How Much, and When

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Catering staff and bartenders

   Catering wait staff: 15 to 20 percent of the total catering bill, distributed among the team. Check your catering contract first — many caterers include a service charge (typically 18 to 22 percent) that functions as the gratuity. If a service charge is included, additional tipping is not expected but a small cash bonus ($20 to $50 per server) for exceptional service is appreciated. Bartenders: $25 to $50 per bartender, or 10 to 15 percent of the total bar bill if no service charge is included. Place a visible (but discreet) tip jar at the bar only if the bartender is not already receiving a gratuity through the catering contract. Catering manager or captain: $100 to $300 depending on team size and service complexity.

2. 2

   Photographer and videographer

   Photographer: tipping is not expected because most photographers are business owners who set their own rates. However, a tip of $50 to $200 for outstanding service is a meaningful gesture, especially for a second shooter or assistant ($50 to $100). An alternative to a cash tip: a thoughtful thank-you note, a five-star online review, and referrals to engaged friends — these have more long-term value to a photographer than a one-time tip. Videographer: same guidelines as photographer — $50 to $200 optional, with online reviews being the most valuable form of appreciation.

3. 3

   DJ, band, and entertainment

   DJ: $50 to $200 depending on the length of the event and quality of service. If the DJ kept the dance floor packed all night and handled requests gracefully, tip toward the higher end. Band members: $25 to $50 per musician is standard. For a five-piece band, budget $125 to $250 total. Bandleader or vocalist may receive a higher tip ($50 to $100) if they served as emcee or took extra coordination responsibilities. Photo booth attendant: $25 to $50. Other entertainment (caricature artist, magician, fire performer): $20 to $50 per performer.

4. 4

   Officiant, planner, and coordinator

   Officiant: $50 to $100 for a non-denominational or independent officiant. For a religious officiant (priest, rabbi, imam), a donation of $100 to $500 to their house of worship is customary rather than a personal tip. If the officiant is a friend who became ordained for your wedding, a thoughtful gift ($50 to $150 value) is more appropriate than cash. Wedding planner: tipping is not expected for business-owner planners who set their own rates, but $100 to $500 (or 10 to 20 percent of their fee) for extraordinary service is a generous gesture. Day-of coordinator: $50 to $200, especially if they went above and beyond during the event.

5. 5

   Florist, cake baker, and beauty professionals

   Florist: tipping is not expected for the business owner. If a delivery and setup team comes to the venue, $10 to $25 per person is a kind gesture for their physical work. Cake baker: not expected for the owner; $10 to $25 for the delivery person. Hair stylist: 15 to 25 percent of the service cost per person. If the stylist charges $150 for bridal hair, tip $25 to $40. Makeup artist: 15 to 25 percent of the service cost. If the makeup artist also owns the business and set the price, a 15 percent tip is appropriate. For a team of stylists doing the entire wedding party, calculate tips individually based on each service rendered.

6. 6

   Transportation and venue staff

   Limousine or car service driver: 15 to 20 percent of the total transportation bill, or $25 to $50 per driver if gratuity is included in the contract (check). Shuttle bus driver: $50 to $100 per driver. Valet parking attendants: $1 to $2 per car, usually handled by the couple for the entire event ($50 to $150 depending on guest count). Venue coordinator: $50 to $150 if they provided hands-on support beyond their contractual duties. Restroom attendant: $50 to $100 total. Coat check attendant: $1 per guest, or $50 to $100 flat. Prepare all transportation and venue tips in labeled envelopes before the wedding day.

7. 7

   Tip envelope preparation and distribution logistics

   Prepare all tip envelopes one week before the wedding. Use individual envelopes labeled with the vendor's name or role (not just cash amounts) so there is no confusion during distribution. Include a handwritten thank-you note in each envelope — vendors keep these and they mean more than the money. Assign distribution responsibility: the best man or maid of honor distributes beauty, photography, and ceremony-related tips during the getting-ready period and ceremony. A parent or coordinator distributes reception vendor tips (DJ, caterer, bartender) at the end of the night. Keep all envelopes in a single labeled bag or box in the coordinator's possession. Cash is strongly preferred over checks for all vendor tips.

Frequently Asked Questions