Wedding Vendor Tip Calculator
How much should you tip your photographer, caterer, DJ, and everyone else? Enter your vendor costs and get recommended amounts for every category.
Estimated total tips
$0
Wedding planner
10–20% of fee, or $200–$500 flat for a day-of coordinator.
15% tip
$0
Photographer
Often not expected if they own the business. $50–$200 per person if you want to tip.
$50–$200 per shooter
Videographer
Same as photographer — tip second shooters and assistants.
$50–$200 per shooter
Officiant
Religious officiants: donate $100–$500 to their house of worship. Secular: $50–$100 tip.
$50–$100 donation
Catering (if gratuity not included)
Check contract — many caterers include a 18–22% service charge already.
18% tip
$0
Bartenders
10–15% of bar bill, or $25–$50 per bartender flat.
15% tip
$0
Band / DJ
Not required but appreciated. DJs: $50–$150. Band: $25–$50 per musician.
$25–$50 per musician, $50–$150 for DJ
Florist
Not customary unless they provided exceptional service — then 10–15%.
Optional
Hair & makeup
15–25% of bill, same as any salon service.
20% tip
$0
Transportation drivers
15–20% of bill if not already included in the contract.
15% tip
$0
Delivery & setup staff
$5–$20 per person who helps with delivery, setup, or breakdown.
$5–$20 per person
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Always check your vendor contracts first — many include service charges or gratuities that make additional tipping optional.
How wedding vendor tipping works
Wedding tipping is one of the more confusing parts of planning. Some vendors expect tips as standard practice; others don't. The rule of thumb is simple: employees of a larger company (catering staff, bartenders, hair and makeup assistants, delivery staff) should always be tipped, while business owners who set their own rates generally don't expect a tip but appreciate one for exceptional service.
Before calculating any tip, check your vendor contracts. Many caterers and venues include an 18–22% service charge that already covers gratuity for their staff. Tipping on top of that is optional. Prepare tip envelopes in advance and give them to your wedding planner, maid of honor, or best person to distribute on the day.
Frequently asked questions
How much should you tip wedding vendors?
Tip amounts vary by category. Wedding planners receive 10–20% of their fee. Hair and makeup artists receive 15–25%. Catering staff and bartenders receive 15–20% of the bill if gratuity is not already included. Photographers and florists are generally not tipped if they own the business, but assistants and second shooters receive $50–$200 each. Always check your contracts first — many caterers and venues include an 18–22% service charge.
How much do you tip a wedding photographer?
Tipping a wedding photographer is not expected if they own their business, but is a kind gesture for exceptional service. If you choose to tip, $50–$200 per shooter is standard. Always tip second shooters and assistants directly, as they are typically employees rather than business owners.
How much do you tip a wedding officiant?
For religious officiants, a donation of $100–$500 to their house of worship is standard in addition to any fee. For secular officiants, a $50–$100 tip is appropriate unless they set a flat fee that already includes gratuity.
Do you tip wedding vendors who own their own business?
It is not required — business owners set their own rates and are not reliant on tips. However, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated. For business owners you want to tip, 10–15% of the fee is generous, or a flat amount like $100–$300 for smaller vendors.
When should you tip your wedding vendors?
Prepare tip envelopes in advance and give them to a designated person — usually your wedding planner, maid of honor, or best person — to distribute on the wedding day. Tip after services are rendered: hair and makeup after the session, catering and bartenders at the end of the reception, and other vendors as they finish their work.