Tipping Etiquette?

[missde09]

I hadn't thought much about tipping anyone besides the bartenders and staff. I figured if we are paying the photographer/videographer in cash, then they should not expect me to bring even more cash into the country just to tip them. I guess I also figured that the wedding coordinator was something that came with the wedding package that I am already paying for. It wasn't until I came across this thread that I even thought it was something that is somewhat expected. I guess I have some thinking to do...

[JSLM]

Now I don't know what to do. Wasn't planning on tipping anyone. I mean the bartenders will be getting tipped on a daily basis. My reception is off site and I'm already charged 19% tax on top of meals and drink. And I see that most of you did tip your WC.... I have a package with my WC and I'm actually getting charged $250 EACH hour I use her. Isn't that enough? Like the idea of sending flowers. Maybe I'll do that.

[missde09]

JSLM I am in the same boat as you. I feel that if I am already getting taxed 16%+ on the packages that I am buying for the wedding it should be enough. Maybe I will bring a little token from Delaware as a thank you to the WC to personalize it some. Anyone ever do something like that?

[chantal09]

I tipped wedding coordinator at the resort because I was so impressed with their dedication. They stayed throughout the entire reception and were awesome with all the details.. I also tipped the photographer a smaller amount. I'm not too sure what most people do.. I also wasnt sure about what amounts were appropriate. I gave WC $100 and photographer $40, but we had a wedding of 75 guests...

[Jessica4LUXE]

Hi brides!

 

Whether you are a believe that tips are standard requirements, or that they are earned based on the level of service provided, tipping your wedding vendors is definitely necessary. Below, we have outlined a few tipping guidelines for brides to help budget in this hidden and usually forgotten cost. Remember, these guidelines are based on vendors who provided all the services that were promised and in the way they were promised. Guidelines are meant to be broken; if the vendor goes above and beyond, or if they didn’t do the job they were hired to do adjust your tip!

 

Makeup Artist and/or Hair Stylists: 15 to 25% of your total bill is standard – tip as you would your regular hair stylist!

 

Officiant: If the officiant is affiliated with a religious establishment, then you should plan on making a donation to that institution for at least $100. When hiring a non-denominational minister, no tip is required, however you might choose to tip $50 if the minister was above and beyond. Since you do not want to be handling money during the ceremony, if you plan on tipping the officiant, hand it to them at the Rehearsal or give it to the Best Man to handle.

 

Ceremony & Reception Musicians: Musicians & DJ tipping is really based on the quality of the performance and not always required. Standard tips depend on the type of musician:
Singer & DJ’s: $20-$80

Each member of a Band: $5-10 per hour

Solo Instrumentalist: $30-50

 

Photographer/Videographer: Tipping your photographer or videographer is entirely dependent on whether they own their own company or not. If they own their own company, he/she will be keeping most of the fee and the tip is completely optional. If he/she is the employee of a company, depending on the amount of time spent, plan on leaving a tip for $50-100.

 

Bartenders & Catering Staff: Majority of the time, service fees, gratuities or tips are included in your contract. Make sure you check this prior to allotting more money. If there is not mention in your contract, consider leaving $20-25 per bartender or 10% of the total liquor bill. The catering staff should be tipped 15-20% of your total bill. Always hand this to the head bartender or waiter to allow equal division among the staff. If you choose to add a tip, you can pay in advance to management so that you do not have to worry about this at the close of the reception.

 

Wedding Coordinator – Like your photographer/videographer, if he/she owns their own company, then leaving a tip is completely optional. If he/she is an employee, such as a coordinator assigned to you by the venue, $50.00 to $100.00 is a recommended. Remember, if your coordinator put in a lot of hours for your larger, more extravagant wedding, the tip should be adjusted and dependent on the total wedding budget.

 

Lastly, there are a number of vendors that do not typically expect a tip: wedding stationer, bridal shop, seamstress for alterations, cake baker and florist. It if always up to you whether or not to tack on an additional amount for any vendor who has done an amazing job! These fees can add up and planning ahead will make sure there are no surprises!

 

Happy Planning!

[Sophia2616]

Do you tip that much if they own the salon (hair)?

[Jessica4LUXE]

Originally Posted by Sophia2616 

 

Do you tip that much if they own the salon (hair)?

Hi Sophia,

 

If they have done a fantastic job on your hair, and you are really happy we'd recommend still tipping. Remember, in the end it is your call and your budget that need to be considered.

 

Happy planning!

[Sophia2616]

Awesome Thanks! I agree

[missde09]

Jessica4LUXE, thanks for the tips. I had no idea!

[Jessica4LUXE]

Anytime!! It's a tricky subject and can be very subjective but happy to help!

 

Happy Planning!