A Brief Guide for Tipping Your Wedding Vendors

As you pore over your wedding budget and set aside money to pay everybody for a job well done, make sure to leave room for tips! Gratuities are a thoughtful way to thank your hardworking vendors for their time and effort. Not sure how much to give? Read our brief guide to tipping for wedding vendors.

Your Wedding Planner

Show your appreciation for the person who’s helped you coordinate the entire event with a cash tip or a thoughtful non-monetary gift. If you’re tipping with cash, the standard is 10 to 20 percent of the total bill, up to 500 dollars.

Helpful Hint

Many wedding planners also appreciate professional photos of the wedding to add to their portfolio!

Hair and Makeup Artists

These are the folks who make you and your bridal party look picture-perfect on the big day. You should tip them as you would any other hairstylist or beauty expert. The protocol calls for between 15 and 25 percent, depending on the quality of their service. If they’re quick to fix any smudges or malfunctions during photo sessions, offer a little extra as a thank-you!

Photographer or Videographer

The people recording your big day for posterity don’t necessarily expect a tip at the end of the day, but it’s a kind gesture in exchange for their hard work. If you’d like to give them a little extra, set aside between 50 and 200 dollars per person and slip it to them at the end of the day.

Setup and Delivery Staff

Anyone who delivers essential items to your Pocono mountain wedding, like your wedding cake and table centerpieces, expects a small tip. Discreetly give each delivery staff member 10 dollars in cash to thank them for their tireless hustle.

Musicians or DJs

Whether you’ve booked a live band or a DJ for your ceremony and reception, cash tips are optional but appreciated. When the reception ends and the band prepares to leave, have an attendant give them 25 dollars per musician or 100 dollars for the DJ.

As you move all the pieces into place for your wedding day, don’t forget to thank all the hardworking professionals who helped you! Keep a wad of cash on hand to tip your wedding vendors as a gesture of appreciation. This brief guide will help you estimate how much to spend on gratuities.