How Much Should You Actually Tip Wedding Vendors?

Tipping wedding vendors is one of the most confusing and anxiety-inducing parts of the planning process. You’ve already spent thousands of dollars, and now you have to figure out gratuity. Who gets tipped? How much? When do you hand it out?

Here is the definitive guide to tipping wedding vendors.

The Cardinal Rule of Tipping Vendors

Before diving into the numbers, remember this rule: You do not have to tip the business owner. If the primary photographer owns their studio, a tip is a kind gesture but not expected. If the photographer is an employee of a larger agency, a tip is expected. However, exceptional service should always be rewarded, regardless of ownership.

Check Your Contracts First!

Do not double-tip by accident! Review your catering, venue, and transportation contracts carefully. Often, an 18-22% "Service Charge" or "Gratuity" is already baked into the final bill. If gratuity is included, you are not obligated to tip further unless someone went massively above and beyond.

The Tipping Breakdown

Catering and Waitstaff

• Expectation: Required (if not included in the contract).
• Amount: 15-20% of the total food/drink bill, OR $20-$50 per server, $50-$100 per chef/manager.
• When: End of the reception.

Bartenders

• Expectation: Required.
• Amount: 10-15% of the total bar tab, or $50-$100 per bartender. Make sure to specify if they are allowed to put a tip jar out for guests. If you don't want a tip jar (which looks cleaner), you must tip them appropriately yourself.
• When: End of the reception.

Wedding Planner / Coordinator

• Expectation: Not expected, but highly appreciated for exceptional service.
• Amount: 10-20% of their total fee, or a thoughtful gift and a cash tip of $100-$500.
• When: End of the reception or mailed a few days later.

Photographers and Videographers

• Expectation: Not expected for owners, expected for employees/second shooters.
• Amount: $50-$100 per person.
• When: End of the reception.

Hair and Makeup Artists

• Expectation: Required (treat this like a regular salon visit).
• Amount: 15-20% of the total fee.
• When: End of the getting-ready session.

Delivery and Setup Staff (Florals, Rentals, Cake)

• Expectation: Expected.
• Amount: $10-$20 per person.
• When: Upon delivery/setup. Have your planner or a designated family member handle this.

Band or DJ

• Expectation: Expected.
• Amount: $25-$50 per musician, $50-$150 for DJs.
• When: End of the reception.

Transportation / Drivers

• Expectation: Expected (check contract, often included).
• Amount: 15-20% of the total bill.
• When: End of the night.

How to Handle the Hand-Off

You should not be walking around with a wad of cash in your wedding dress or tuxedo. Before the wedding, get cash from the bank and separate it into clearly labeled envelopes for each vendor. Hand these envelopes to your Wedding Coordinator, Best Man, or a trusted family member, and task them with distributing the tips at the appropriate times.

Want a quick estimate of your total tip obligations? Try our free Vendor Tip Calculator at EventZio!