Should I Tip My Wedding Staff? Things to Consider for Tipping Vendors
Tipping your wedding vendors is one of the most common questions I get as a wedding coordinator—and for good reason. While you’re budgeting for flowers, catering, and photography, it can be hard to know what’s customary when it comes to gratuity. Some vendors expect it, others don’t, and sometimes the lines are unclear. If you’re wondering whether or not you should plan for tipping, here are a few things to consider:
Things to Ask Yourself When Deciding Whether to Tip a Vendor
Is a gratuity already included in the contract?
Catering companies, bartenders, transportation providers, and some venues will automatically include a service charge or gratuity in the final bill. Always double-check your contracts before planning to tip.Is the vendor a small business owner?
Many wedding professionals—like photographers, wedding planners, and hair & makeup artists—own their own business. If the vendor owns the business, they should have full control over their pricing and they’ve likely accounted for their time and expenses. That doesn’t mean a tip isn’t welcome, but it’s not necessarily required.Are multiple staff members working under one business name?
For example, if your hair and makeup vendor is sending a team of two stylists, it’s considerate to tip each person individually—especially if they provided hands-on services directly to you or your bridal party.Did this vendor go above and beyond for your wedding?
Maybe your DJ kept the dance floor packed all night, or your coordinator handled a last-minute issue without you even knowing. When vendors exceed expectations, a tip is a great way to say thank you.How long were they working on your wedding day?
Some vendors are present for 10+ hours. If someone has been with you all day helping things run smoothly, a tip is a nice gesture to recognize that effort.
General Tipping Guidelines
While tipping is never required, it’s a kind way to show your appreciation. If you do choose to tip, here are the suggested amounts:
Catering Staff — 15–20% of the food and beverage total, or $25–$50 per staff member, if not already included in service contract
Hair & Makeup Artists — 15–25% of the total cost of the vendor’s contract, similar to how you would tip for salon services
Photographer — $50–$200 per person (optional, as most are small business owners and set their own pricing)
Florist, Bakers & Designers — $50–$100 is a nice gesture for exceptional work
DJ/Musicians — $50–$150 per person
Planner/Coordinator — $50-$200 (optional, but always appreciated!)
Delivery and Set-up teams — $10-20 per person depending on the length or difficulty of the job
When and How to Tip
Tipping should be done after the service has been completed, ideally before the vendor leaves for the day. The easiest method is to prepare labeled envelopes with cash and ask your wedding coordinator or a trusted relative to hand them out. You can also use Venmo, Zelle, or another digital payment service, just make sure you ask your vendors ahead of time which platform they prefer.
Ways to Show Appreciation Without a Tip
If tipping every vendor isn’t within your budget, don’t worry—there are still meaningful ways to show your appreciation. One of the best gifts you can give your wedding vendors is a thoughtful, positive review online. Sharing your experience on platforms like Google, The Knot, or even social media not only helps their business grow but also lets them know their hard work made a difference. A sincere thank-you, kind words about their service, and a few photos from your big day can go a long way in supporting the vendors who helped bring your wedding to life.