Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement and to-do lists—picking the perfect venue, taste-testing cakes, locking in that first-dance song, and coordinating a small army of vendors to bring your vision to life. With so much going on, there’s one detail that often sneaks up on couples: Tipping wedding vendors.
The short answer? Tipping isn’t always required, but it is a kind and customary way to thank the people working hard behind the scenes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of wedding vendor gratuity—from how much to tip your caterer to when and how to hand out gratuities—so you can feel prepared with one less item to stress about.
Why Tip Wedding Vendors?
Tipping isn’t about rules—it’s about recognition. Your wedding day doesn’t just happen—it’s pulled together by a team of pros giving it their all, often for hours (or days) at a time. While some vendors include gratuities in their contracts, many—especially those behind the scenes—rely on tips as a way to round out their pay and feel appreciated.
Whether it’s the server refilling champagne glasses with a smile or the delivery crew setting up your ceremony chairs in the blazing sun, a small gesture of thanks can go a long way. That said, tipping should always feel comfortable and sincere—so do what feels right for you and your budget.
Tipping Wedding Vendors: A Detailed Breakdown
Not sure who to tip or how much? Here’s a general guide to help you plan ahead:
Wedding Planner or Coordinator
- Expected? Optional
- Suggested Tip: 10–20% of the total fee, or a thoughtful gift and heartfelt thank-you note
- When to Tip: End of the wedding or after your honeymoon
Photographers and Videographers
- Expected? Optional for business owners; appreciated for second shooters or assistants
- Suggested Tip: $50–$200 per team member
- When to Tip: At the end of the event
Hair and Makeup Artists
- Expected? Yes
- Suggested Tip: 15–25% of the total bill
- When to Tip: Right after the service
Ceremony Musicians or DJs
- Expected? Optional but always appreciated
- Suggested Tip: $25–$50 per musician, $50–$150 for DJs
- When to Tip: At the end of the performance
Officiant
- Expected? Depends—religious officiants often request a donation instead
- Suggested Tip: $100–$500 donation, or $50–$100 for non-religious officiants
- When to Tip: Before or after the ceremony
Catering Team
- Expected? Typically, yes (if not already in your contract)
- How Much to Tip a Wedding Caterer:
- Full-service catering: 15–20% of your total food and beverage bill
- Individual staff (waiters, bussers, chefs): $20–$50 each
- Bartenders: 10–15% of the bar total, or $50–$100 each if no tip jar is provided
- When to Tip: After the meal service or with your final payment.
*Always double-check your contract to see if a service fee is already included—and whether it goes to the staff.
Florists
- Expected? No
- Suggested Tip: If you feel they went above and beyond, a small gift or 10-15% of your final total is appropriate.
- When to Tip: On delivery or post-setup
Delivery and Setup Crews
- Expected? Yes
- Suggested Tip: $5–$10 per person
- When to Tip: On delivery or post-setup
Transportation Drivers
- Expected? Yes
- Suggested Tip: 15–20% of the total bill
- When to Tip: After the last ride of the night
Budgeting for Tipping Wedding Vendors: Plan Ahead, Stress Less
Tipping is a thoughtful way to say thank you—but it’s much easier to manage when it’s part of your wedding planning from the start.
Here are a few simple ways to plan for gratuities ahead of time:
Build it into your budget
As you map out your wedding expenses, set aside a small portion (around 2–3% of your total budget) specifically for tips. This gives you a realistic cushion so gratuities don’t feel like a surprise (or an afterthought blowing your budget).
Check your contracts
Some vendors include service charges or gratuities in their pricing. Review your contracts early on so you know what’s already covered—and where an extra thank-you might be appreciated. This will help assure that you’re not double tipping on accidentally.
Make a tip tracker
Create a simple list of your vendors, including:
- Whether a tip is customary or optional
- The suggested tip amount
- When and how it should be delivered
Having everything in one place makes it easier to stay organized and delegate when the big day arrives.
Prepare envelopes in advance
A few days before the wedding, label envelopes (and seal) with each vendor’s name and the appropriate tip (either cash or checks). Planning ahead not only reduces last-minute stress, it ensures your vendors feel recognized and appreciated for their part in your celebration.
Who Handles the Tips?
You’ll be busy in a whirlwind of celebrations on your wedding day, so be sure to plan ahead and hand off the task of distributing tips to someone else. If you are using a wedding planner or day of coordinator, ask them to handle delivering tips to your wedding vendors on your behalf. If you’re organizing the big day yourself, assign a trusted family member or friend using prefilled and labeled envelopes. Prefer digital approach? Inquire ahead of time with your vendors on their preference. Some will accept payments via Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.
Non-Monetary Ways to Tip When on a Tight Budget
If tipping just isn’t in the cards, there are still so many ways to show love and gratitude. Try one (or all!) of these:
- Leave a glowing review on Google, The Knot, and/or WeddingWire
- Send a handwritten thank-you note
- Give them a shoutout on social media and tag their business
- Refer them to your engaged friends
These small gestures make a huge impact—especially for small businesses and independent creatives who thrive on word of mouth and referrals to bring in new business.
Planning a Wedding in Northern California?
If you’re tying the knot in Roseville, Rocklin, Sacramento, or Lake Tahoe, Randy Peters Catering & Event Center is here to help. Known for working with a servant’s heart, our customizable wedding menus, and a spirit of excellence, our team brings decades of experience to your big day.
We go beyond just serving food—we help manage catering logistics and behind-the-scenes details to deliver a seamless experience for you and your wedding quests. Plus, with clear and transparent pricing, you’ll always know what’s included (gratuities and all).
Tipping Wedding Vendors: A Thoughtful Ending to a Special Night
All in all, tipping wedding vendors shouldn’t feel overwhelming. It’s simply one of many ways to show appreciation for the people who helped make your day so incredibly special. By planning ahead, checking your contracts, and deciding what fits within your budget, you can tip confidently and thoughtfully.
