I get asked a lot about gratuity guidelines for wedding vendors, so
below you'll find Ultimate Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide borrowed from
Brides.com.
Ceremony
Hair/makeup pros: 15–20 percent of the total bill
Musicians: $25–$50 each
Officiant: $50 if you're married by a judge or clerk; clergy
members, in general, don't accept tips, so instead, make a donation
($100 on average) to the appropriate house of worship.
Altar boys or girls: $5–$10; if they decline, add this amount to your donation to the church.
Reception
Wedding planners: 10-15 percent of contracted price
Photographers/videographers: $100–$200 if the pro is part of a larger outfit or agency (but not the owner). Second shooters should receive $50–$75.
Catering manager: $250–$500
Waitstaff: 15 percent of the total pretax food bill (given to the catering manager or "captain" to distribute)
Bartenders: 10–15 percent of the total pretax bar bill. Inform
the bartenders of your intent to tip after the reception, and request
that they refuse tips from guests. No rogue tip jars!
Reception band/DJ: $25–$50 per person, but take their performance
into account: Did your bashful uncle boogie for the first time in 40
years? Then give a little more cash.
Chauffeur/driver: 15–20 percent of the total bill, typically presented at the end of the day
Valets: $1–$2 per car, given to the supervisor in advance, to be
split among staff. Display a sign at the valet station stating that
gratuities have been taken care of. The valets should also be instructed
to refuse any tips offered by guests.
Restroom/coat-check attendants: $.50–$2 per guest; calculate this total in advance and give to your reception site manager to distribute.
Setup/Breakdown
Delivery people: $5–$20 per person for deliveries arriving from
your florist, baker, rental company, and other vendors. These staffers
may also be doing the heavy lifting, on-site setup, and hauling away
that come with producing your wedding—so tip accordingly.
Honeymoon
Bellhop: $1–$2 per piece of luggage brought to and from the room
Doorperson: $1–$2 per task for any kind of assistance, like hailing a cab
Housekeeper: $2–$4 per day
Concierge: $5–$20, depending on the request(s)
Of course these suggestions are standard guidelines. If you feel a
vendor went above and beyond the call of duty, bless them accordingly.
And if you are disappointed with the level of service of a vendor, you
are not obligated to extend gratuity. But make sure to let them know
how you feel so that they can improve for the next clients they service.
Until next time...WEDologize!
