💌 Tipping Wedding Vendors
Who, How Much & When to Say “Thank You!
At All Things Considered GR, we get this question all the time: "Who do I tip at my wedding, and how much?"
Totally fair question — after all, tipping etiquette in the wedding world can feel a little murky. But don’t stress, we’ve mapped it all out for you.
Here’s your simple, go-to guide for tipping your wedding vendors — straight from our management brains and some of our friends in the industry, to your planning folder. 💁♀️💐
💄 Hair & Makeup Artists
Tip: 15–20% of the total service
When: After services are complete
Note: Just like at your favorite salon — if they helped you feel like your most radiant self, they’ve earned it!
🚘 Transportation Drivers
Tip: 15–20% of the total
When: After the final drop-off
Pro Tip: Check your contract! Some companies include gratuity automatically.
🥂 Catering Staff
Tip: 15–20% of the food & beverage total
When: Post-reception
Heads Up: If there’s already a “service fee” on your invoice, ask what that covers. Sometimes it includes staff tips, sometimes not!
🧾 Quick Note on Catering & Service Fees
Clients often ask about tipping catering teams — and it’s a great question. Your Banquet Event Order (BEO) might include an 18–23% service charge, but not all of that always reaches the staff. If your servers went the extra mile for you, handing a little something extra to those who took care of you personally is always a kind gesture.
🍸 Bartenders
Tip: $25–$50 per bartender or 10–15% of the bar total
When: At the end of the night
Note: If you don’t want a tip jar out, make sure this is covered in advance.
🎧 DJs & Musicians
Tip: Ceremony Musicians: $15–$25 each
Band Members: $25–$50 each
DJ: $50–$150
When: After the show (aka the dance party 🎉)
Why: They set the vibe. If they crushed it, a little extra love goes a long way.
“I often receive a $100-200 tip. However any gift of thanks is always appreciated. We go above and beyond in service, so when a couples remember that and leave us a great review- it’s not only one of the highest compliments- it helps other couples too!” ~ Matt, Lakeshore Audio and Entertainment (DJ)
📸 Photographers & Videographers
Tip: $50–$200 per person
When: End of the event (or even after you see your amazing photos!)
Note: If they own the business, tipping is optional — but always appreciated if they went above and beyond.
🌸 Florists
Tip: $50–$100
When: After setup or delivery
Optional but Kind: Especially if they hustled to make a floral vision come to life (and kept your bouquets looking fresh in the August heat).
“Knowing that the client is happy and truly appreciates my work means more to me than any monetary tip. A heartfelt note absolutely makes my day. Referrals to friends and family, tags and mentions on social media, and sharing professional photos are all deeply appreciated!”
📦 Delivery & Setup Crews
Tip: $5–$20 per person
When: When they drop off or finish setting up
Why It Matters: These are your behind-the-scenes MVPs — say thanks with a tip and maybe a water bottle if it’s hot out!
👰♀️ Officiant
Religious Leader: $100–$500 donation to their church/temple/etc.
Civil Officiant: $50–$100
When: At the ceremony or rehearsal
Note: Some may decline tips, but a heartfelt thank-you or donation is always welcome.
💍 Wedding Planner / Coordinator (That’s Us!)
Tip: 10–20% of our fee or a meaningful gift
When: After the big day or post-honeymoon
Note: We’ll never expect it — but it truly means the world to feel appreciated. (Also: we live for sweet handwritten notes.)
🤔 Do You Tip the Wedding Planner?
We may be biased, but yes — if your planner made your day seamless and stress-free, a token of thanks is always appreciated. Unlike most vendors, your planner is in the weeds with you from day one, deeply invested in every detail. Whether it’s a cash tip, thoughtful gift, or heartfelt card, it truly means the world.
💗 Other Meaningful Ways to Say “Thank You”
Tipping is wonderful, but there are other ways to show love to your wedding crew:
💌 Handwritten thank-you cards: We treasure these.
⭐ Leave a review: A 5-star shoutout on Google, Zola, or Facebook = priceless!
📸 Tag vendors in photos: We love seeing your wedding photos as much as you do!
📣 Referrals: Telling your friends about us? You’re our favorite kind of person.
📝 Pro Tip: The more detailed your review, the more helpful it is for couples just starting their planning journey!
🎁 A Few Final Tips from Your Friendly Coordinators
🧾 Check your contracts — some include gratuity already.
💌 Prep envelopes ahead of time with cash or checks — label clearly.
💁 Assign a tip-giver — usually a trusted friend, parent, or planner.
💗 Say thanks, in any way you can — vendors remember kindness more than anything.
🎉 In the End...
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for tipping. Let your budget, the level of service, and your experience guide you. And no matter the amount, the most meaningful thing you can do is simply say thank you — and mean it.
Need more organizing tips before your wedding? That’s what we’re here for, so book a free consultation for the top tips in the industry. Let’s keep your celebration smooth, joyful, and full of gratitude.
