vendor tipping etiquette

Hi,

I think it would be fine if you tipped them when you got home. Honestly, most photographers don't expect tips. When I first got started and final payment was due on the day of the wedding - I received tips almost every time. Now that payment is made by credit card two weeks in advance, I probably only get tips 10% of the time. And I'm totally fine with that. I have received tips ranging from $20-$500. I love getting emails and handwritten notes from people - they make you feel so great about your job.

Yay, thanks for posting Jill... that helps us a lot since I was stumped when Jessica asked!

To be honest, I hate when people expect tips. It makes me not want to do so - that is my money that I can give if I feel it is suitable... if you want the tip factored in, then include it in the cost!! So, if one of my vendors got upset with me because I didn't tip them right after the event, I'd be pissed - whether or not I was planning to tip- and I would probably take that into account when giving the tip (I know, I'm cruel, cold and mean!).

Sorry, I know I already posted - but it just occured to me that if one of my vendors actually got upset because I didn't give them a TIP, it'd make me angry!!! (if you can't already tell! lol)

well, i can't say i disagree with you, courtney. i mean, the whole point behind a tip is that it's for a job well done, and should be given accordingly. it should never be expected.

however, i will admit, i am the first to admit that half of the time i don't know who normally gets tipped. i never would have thought to tip Leigh - not because of how she did, or how great she is, but because it's just not something that would have crossed my mind. then she may feel insulted, even though i had no idea tipping the photog was even something people do! i can guarentee i didn't in my first wedding. not sure i really tipped any of the vendors - i guess in my simple little mind - why would i? they charge a fee, and i paid that. who do you typically tip? where does it stop!? lol

lol - Ann, I agree with you there too!! Like... do I tip the florist? What about the waitstaff at the reception... do I tip all of them? How much? Omg, I'm going to go broke on tips. I can just see it... I'll be so happy with how the day turned out, I'll tip everyone!!!

OK correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought if the vendor works for themself, no tip is anticipated. But however, waitstaff at your reception would get a tip because they work for the resort. Is this not the general rule?

well i don't plan on carrying any $$ the day of - so they better not expect me to be handing out cash that day! lol i don't mean to sound like a bitch here, i am actually a great tipper when i go out to eat, etc (unless it's bad service), but i mean it seems like everyone expects a tip these days. how do i know what "etiquette" is as far as tipping?

good question, Tammy, and I have heard that.

but i get the tipping for those that are in the service industry - they often work for low wages and it's all about the service. but why do I have to pay the vendor if they work for the resort? like nicole is arranging all of the vendors - how do i know who they work for (not a resort)? for example, the DJ, i am paying a lot of $$ per hour for that - i guess i don't understand why a tip is also expected, or is it? AHHHH! i'm so afraid of offending someone unintentionally!

The only people I "plan" on tipping is the waitstaff for our dinner. But I'm still trying to decide if I should tip Irma @ the Sheraton, since she's been alot of help. And I may tip the trio, since we got a killer deal on them.

Great topic!

I think tipping is completely discretionary, and completely dependent upon the type of service received. For example, at the Fiesta Americana, there is a service charge added to banquets and also to rooms...that gets distributed to everyone from housekeeping to food prep, so I'm not going to tip specific waiters, etc. I'm sure some of it goes to the house too.

However, I am going to tip my Event Coordinator, the musicians for sure (and feed them, they are vital to the event) and probably my photog.

So I think it just comes down to who you think really made the event extra-special...did they put in extra effort, or were they just doing thier job?!