Wondering How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors? Bookmark This Decisive Guide

Wedding expenses can add up, which is why finding out how much to tip wedding vendors is crucial since it'll impact your wedding budget. Some wedding vendors expect a tip, while other gratuities are considered on a case-by-case basis. For example, business owners of large companies don't traditionally get tipped (just their employees do), but you can tip an owner when the service exceeds expectations. Small business owners shouldn't be overlooked either, since their businesses are often run by just one person.

That said, tipping wedding vendors is at the sole discretion of the couple. "The definition of a gratuity is something offered beyond obligation or voluntarily, usually connected to anyone in the service industry," says Sarah Chianese, an experienced owner, planner and executive chef of Mangia and Enjoy! "So, is a tip required? Certainly not, but it's expected for a job well done. Although not obligatory, not tipping at a wedding, particularly if the gratuity is excluded in the pricing structure, is seen as an insult to the love and labor poured into your experience." To give you some guidance, look at our helpful breakdown below of what's customary when it comes to wedding tips for vendors. Once you've made it through this overview, you can use The Knot Budget Advisor to learn more about the factors that influence wedding prices.

Wedding Tipping Guidelines at a Glance:

Tipping wedding vendors shows that you appreciate the exceptional job they did, and it's a thoughtful option when it comes to ways of thanking your wedding vendors. But how much do you tip wedding vendors? Well, the service charges may be spelled out already in your wedding contract. If not, we're here to help. Below are some of the most common vendors and the suggested tipping etiquette for each. (Psst: Keep reading to see which other vendors should be on your tipping checklist.)

• $50–$200 is how much to tip a wedding photographer.
• For those curious about how much to tip a wedding DJ, consider giving $50–$150.
• Don't know how much to tip a wedding planner? We suggest 15–20% of the total fee or a nice gift for a full-service planner.
• For the catering team or waitstaff, consider tipping 15–20% of the food and beverage fee.

Wedding tipping guide essentials: Printable Wedding Tipping Guide | How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors | General Wedding Tipping Etiquette Advice | How to Tip Your Wedding Vendors | Do You Have to Tip Wedding Vendors?

Printable Wedding Tipping Guide

Those who want a snapshot of what's customary to tip wedding vendors, this is for you. Print or add this vendor tipping cheat sheet to Your Favorites on your account with The Knot—just click the heart in the upper-right corner of the image—for quick reference.

Design & Illustration: Tiana Crispino and Ashley Detmering]

How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors

Who do you tip at a wedding and how much? Well, tipping wedding vendors isn't a one-size-fits-all task. Gratuity for wedding vendors varies based on if they've gone above and beyond, who the pro is and the scope of their involvement. Read on for more information on what to do for wedding vendors by category.

Gratuity for wedding vendors: Photographer | Videographer | DJ | Band | Planner | Coordinator | Makeup Artist | Hairstylist | Delivery and Setup Staff | Officiant | Ceremony Musician | Attire Alterations Pro | Caterer | Bartender | Valet Parking Attendant | Photo Booth Attendant | Wedding Transportation Company | Florist | Cake Baker

Do You Tip a Wedding Photographer?

You're not expected to give your photographer any money beyond their normal fees. But if the wedding photographer doesn't own the photography business they work for, consider tipping each person or giving a certain amount with a thank-you note to disperse.

"For photographers, tips aren't required or expected, but are generally very much appreciated," says Jenny DeMarco, the owner of Jenny DeMarco Photography in Austin, Texas. "Tips should be for the main shooter, even if that's the business owner, and the remaining photography team members. When couples tip their photographer and the team on the wedding day after seeing they have worked hard and were great to work with, it's remembered as they go home and work on delivering your images."

• How much to tip: According to DeMarco, it's recommended to tip $50–$200 per photography team member or 5–15% of the photography contract.
• When to tip: Tip your photographer at the end of the reception.

Do You Tip a Wedding Videographer?

Similar to wedding photographers, you're not expected to tip videographers. However, who to tip at the wedding is ultimately your call and including your videographer in this group is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude for their work.

• How much to tip: Consider tipping $50–$200 per videography team member or 5–15% of the videography contract.
• When to tip: Tip your videographer at the end of the reception.

Do You Tip a Wedding DJ?

Tipping a wedding DJ is optional, but preferred. Wedding DJs serve an essential role, both providing music and emceeing your event. While some DJs work solo, others bring sound technicians or other providers who should also be included when it comes to tipping. Carefully read your contract (you'll be hearing that advice a lot) to know who'll be on-site on your wedding day.

• How much to tip: $50–$150 is usually a good range for how much to tip a wedding DJ, depending on the total cost of service.
• When to tip: An attendant or wedding planner should be the one tipping your wedding DJ at the end of the reception.

Do You Tip a Wedding Band?

Tipping band musicians is completely optional, but preferred. When figuring out the tipping situation for your wedding band, factor in how many band members will be present on your wedding day. If you opt to tip your band, each member (and any sound technicians) should be included.

• How much to tip: $15–$50 per band member is the recommended range for tipping wedding band members.
• When to tip: An attendant or wedding planner should tip the musicians at the end of the reception. According to Rachel Held, the founder and CEO of Confetti & Co. Events in New Orleans, Louisiana, a lump sum can be given to the bandleader to divide amongst their fellow members, or individual envelopes can be given to each person.

Do You Tip a Wedding Planner?

No matter who's paying for the wedding, "Wedding planners definitely expect a tip. I would say close to 80-90% of our clients tip our planning team." says Nora Sheils, the cofounder of Rock Paper Coin and the founder of Bridal Bliss.

This pro has likely worked hard to ensure your day runs smoothly. While monetary tips are most common, a thoughtful gift is an alternative that's also appreciated. Don't forget about any assistants or helpers who are also making your celebration a success.

• How much to tip: 15–20% of the total fee is the standard recommendation for how much to tip a wedding planner. Alternatively, you can send a thoughtful thank-you gift, like a custom candle or nice bottle of wine.
• When to tip: Hand off the envelope at the end of the reception or send a thank-you note with a check or gift after the celebration.

Do You Tip a Wedding Coordinator?

We recommend including your wedding coordinator when you finalize your wedding vendor checklist for who to tip for the wedding. And if you're wondering how much to tip a wedding coordinator, month-of or day-of wedding planner, the answer isn't a percentage of the total service.

• How much to tip: Tip your wedding coordinator $50–$150 of the total fee.
• When to tip: Cash in an envelope at the end of the reception is one option. Alternatively, you can mail a thank-you card with a check after the wedding.

Do You Tip a Wedding Makeup Artist?

Your beauty pros will be on-site early in the a.m. to ensure everyone looks picture-perfect. It's highly recommended to give them some extra love. The total number of people receiving makeup should be factored into your plans for how much to tip the makeup artists, as well as the number of artists on site.

• How much to tip: 15–25% of the total bill is the recommended gratuity for makeup artists.
• When to tip: Tip your beauty pros at the end of your service.

Do You Tip a Wedding Hairstylist?

Just as you would tip your hairstylist at a salon, this is one area where gratuity is definitely expected. Think about how many people are getting their hair done and how many stylists are working on your crew.

• How much to tip: Tip between 15–25% of the total bill just as you would in a hair salon, and consider giving a little extra if there's a crisis, like if one of your wedding party members wants to change their entire hairstyle at the last minute.
• When to tip: Tip your hairstylists at the end of your service.

Do You Tip a Wedding Delivery and Setup Staff?

Absolutely! Tipping wedding delivery and setup staff is expected. Consider those who are doing the heavy lifting during the setup and breakdown process. Slip a gratuity to anyone delivering important items to the site such as the wedding cake, flowers or sound system. If a lot of gear needs to be brought in and set up (tents, chairs or portable toilets), these workers deserve a tip too.

• How much to tip: Tip these workers between $10–$50 per person. It may be hard to know how many delivery workers will be on site, so work with your planner or venue coordinator to figure it out—and bring along a few extra envelopes, if possible.
• When to tip: Drop off cash envelopes the day before the wedding to the lead staff member accepting deliveries so they can distribute the tips.

Do You Tip a Wedding Officiant?

Depending on the officiant, tipping is usually expected. If your officiant is affiliated with a religious institution, you're often expected to make a donation to that sacred space. If you're a member, you'll probably want to give a bit more than the standard recommendation for how much to tip a wedding officiant. However, if you're getting married there and they're charging you to use the space, feel free to give a smaller amount. Tipping the wedding officiant, both nondenominational and denominational, is always appreciated.

• How much to tip: Donate $100–$500 to the religious institution, and for the officiant, a tip of $50–$100 (maybe more, depending on how much time they've spent with you leading up to the wedding in, say, premarital counseling).
• When to tip: Most ceremony fees are required prior to the wedding. If the officiant is in attendance at the rehearsal dinner, have a responsible attendant pass the cash envelope there or have your planner hand the money over immediately after the ceremony.

Do You Tip a Wedding Ceremony Musician?

As with other music pros, tipping wedding ceremony musicians is optional, but preferred. If you worked with a soloist or ensemble to come up with the perfect score for your service and they pulled it off flawlessly, consider showing some monetary thanks for their talent.

• How much to tip: Each ceremony musician should receive $15–$50.
• When to tip: Ceremony musicians should receive a tip at the end of the ceremony.

Do You Tip a Wedding Attire Alterations Pros and Seamstresses?

Tipping those who alter your wedding attire is optional, but definitely appreciated if your tailoring pro did excellent work. While it's not required to give the person who's altering your wedding dress, suit or other wedding attire a tip, it's definitely a nice gesture to present a seamstress or tailor with gratuity.

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• How much to tip: If you opt to tip your alterations pro, $20–$30 is the suggested amount. If your attire requires major restructuring, you may want to tip more.
• When to tip: Present your pro with the tip envelope at your final fitting.

Do You Tip a Wedding Caterer and Waitstaff?

"Plain and simple, tips are unnecessary if gratuities are already listed on your contract or invoice," says Chianese. "Of course, suppose specific vendors or service members at your wedding go above and beyond. In that case, an additional tip is always welcomed and appreciated by those who went the extra mile. Caterers work for many days prior to your wedding day. The food service may last five or six hours over the day, but the hours leading up to your wedding are considerable." Wondering how much to tip a caterer? Keep reading.

• How much to tip: If the service charge isn't included in the contract, tip 15–20% of the food and drink fee to be split among the waitstaff and bartenders, and $200–$300 for the maître d'.
• When to tip: If it's covered in the contract, the final bill, including the tip, is typically due before the reception. Otherwise, have a trusted loved one or an attendant hand the envelope to the maître d' at the end of the reception, since you'll need to know the final tab to calculate the percentage.

Do You Tip a Wedding Bartender?

When it comes to your bartenders, the rules of tipping are dictated by your contract. A service charge (typically 2%) is almost always built into the food and drink fees, so check your contract and clarify who's receiving the gratuity. If the gratuity isn't included or if you wish to provide an additional gratuity, tip as follows.

• How much to tip: If the service charge isn't included in the contract, 15–20% of the drink fee should be split among the bartenders.
• When to tip: If it's covered in the contract, the final bill is typically due before the reception. Otherwise, have someone you trust hand the envelope to the head bartender at the end of the reception, since you'll need to know the final tab to calculate the percentage.

Do You Tip a Wedding Valet Parking Attendant?

Who do you tip at a wedding? Well, valet parking attendants are traditionally given tips at the celebration. Many couples opt to tip parking attendants themselves so that guests don't have to worry about shelling out cash. A sign may be posted at the valet stand notifying guests that the gratuity has already been taken care of by the newlyweds.

• How much to tip: A good formula for valet parking attendant tipping is $1–$5 per car, split between the attendants.
• When to tip: Many folks wonder if you tip valet before or after. Although tips are traditionally passed out at the end of the event, you could distribute them at the beginning of the evening.

Do You Tip a Wedding Photo Booth Attendant?

Yes, we recommend tipping photo booth attendants. If you're including a photo booth as part of your wedding reception entertainment, provide a tip to the attendant at the end of the night, particularly if the service was amazing.

• How much to tip: Photo booth attendants typically receive a gratuity of $50–$100.
• When to tip: Your planner or a wedding party member should give the photo booth attendant their tip at the end of the reception.

Do You Tip a Wedding Transportation Company?

Tipping your limo or shuttle driver is expected, but be sure to check if it's included in your contract. If it isn't, plan to tip provided they show up on time, get everyone to their destination on time and your guests enjoy a smooth ride.

• How much to tip: Typically, 15–20% of the total bill is a good rule of thumb, or $50 per driver.
• When to tip: Tip transportation pros at the end of the night or after the last ride. If you used a separate company for the guest buses, designate a captain on each bus to hand the driver a tip. Otherwise, this duty falls to a designated attendant.

Do You Tip a Wedding Florist?

Florists don't typically receive tips, but if you feel they went above and beyond the call of duty, you certainly can send them a tip. Though, the delivery people who work for these pros should be tipped.

• How much to tip: A tip for your wedding florist could range from $50–$200, or you could send a small gift in appreciation.
• When to tip: If you'd like to tip your florist, send them a thank-you card with the tip enclosed after the wedding.

Do You Tip a Wedding Cake Baker?

Tipping cake bakers is optional, but certainly appreciated, especially if they were present on site. The delivery staff who works for the baker should be tipped (in line with the delivery staff etiquette for tipping outlined above).

• How much to tip: $50–$200 (or a small gift) is a reasonable suggestion for how much to tip a wedding cake baker.
• When to tip: If you opt to tip your baker, send a thank-you note after the wedding with the tip enclosed.

General Wedding Tipping Etiquette Advice

So now you know what vendors to tip for a wedding and how much to tip them. Learn what other helpful information you should know, straight from the experts, below.

Read Contracts Closely

Thoroughly reading all your vendor contracts should always be on your wedding planning checklist. Some vendors (particularly caterers and transportation companies) may include tips as part of their contracts. If gratuities are included in a contract, read closely to see if you need to provide any additional tips.

"It's always helpful to print out contracts and go over them with a highlighter to review extra fees, gratuities and penalties," says Terrica Skaggs, the founder and lead planner of Cocktails & Details. "If gratuities are factored in already in the agreement, ask questions that go a bit deeper. Does the tip extend to the day-of staff, drivers and production team? Is there anyone else that the contract doesn't include that may need or should be tipped at the end of the evening?"

Factor Tips Into the Wedding Budget

When you're looking at the average wedding cost, remember that number most likely includes tips. If you're not prepared, tips can put a major dent in your budget. As you're working on your initial wedding budget, don't forget to review etiquette for tipping at weddings and then factor in gratuities. (Psst: Learn more about what real couples are spending with The Knot Budget Advisor.)

"Gratuities should be tied into your original budget, so they're not an additional expense at the tail end of planning," says Sheils. "I like to have a separate line item for gratuities that can auto-calculate as vendors are booked. Your planner should be able to educate you on gratuities and include reasonable amounts in your budget."

Trust Your Wedding Planner

One of the reasons you should hire a wedding planner is because they're an incredible resource when it comes to wedding etiquette. While the above is a general wedding gratuity guide, tipping customs vary within the US, and your planner will know the customary wedding gratuity etiquette in your area. They'll also help organize your tip envelopes before the wedding and help distribute them the day of.

"When working with a couple, I have a cheat sheet with vendor payments and a tipping column," says Chandai Raghunauth, owner of Chandai Events, which specializes in planning luxury Indian weddings. "When at a catering or hotel venue, the couple and I ask what the recommended tipping for their staff is. While planning, you should ask upfront if there's tipping involved and what the vendor may be looking for."

Write a Glowing Review

While writing a thank-you note is certainly cherished, a positive review on a site like The Knot goes even further in helping a wedding pro's business. Ask your wedding vendor if there's a particular site where they'd like you to post your review. "One of the best things we ever receive is a review," says Held. "It's a great opportunity for other potential clients to see the level of service we provide."

For Destination Weddings, Learn the Local Customs

If you're getting married outside the US, ask your wedding planner or venue coordinator about the local tipping customs and guidelines. Also, tip in the local currency when providing cash tips to vendors.

Share Your Wedding Photos

In addition to tipping wedding vendors, sharing professional photos from your celebration is another way to thank your wedding pros Pros—particularly florists, cake bakers, stationery designers and planners—need photos of their work for marketing materials. So if you're able to get permission from your photographer to provide these images, you'll score extra points. Tagging your vendors as you share photos on social media is another great way to give them a shout-out.

How to Tip Your Wedding Vendors

While you can certainly go the extra mile and ask individual vendors how they prefer to be presented with their gratuity, cash is usually a safe bet for how to tip wedding vendors.

"It's up to the individual vendor to report their tip earnings, so you may offer it in any way you deem fit," says Chianese. "Traditionally, cash in envelopes handed out at the end of the night is the most welcome offering. Mobile payment services, like Venmo, are convenient because they allow you to reflect on the service and determine the final amount you wish to offer the day after the event, if you don't mind setting aside time on your honeymoon to do so. A check is good if you need to account for expenditures and you have a record to show for it."

A few days before the wedding, obtain the needed cash amount, and divide and organize the tips into envelopes for each vendor—or delegate this responsibility to a wedding party member or to your planner. This will take a few hours, so intentionally carve out the time so you're not scrambling the night before your wedding.

Do You Have to Tip Wedding Vendors?

In general, tips for vendors at a wedding aren't required, but are often expected and appreciated. Some vendor contracts will outline gratuity expectations. However, if gratuity for wedding vendors isn't outlined in your contract, defer to your best judgement (and this tipping etiquette guide) when deciding if you want to tip your wedding vendors.

Additional reporting by Kim Forrest and Hannah Nowack.