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General Advice

How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors (Do You Have To Tip Them?)

by Loverly Team 07 May 2025 •8 min read

How much to tip wedding vendors is one of the most common last-minute questions couples face, right alongside which wedding vendors you tip and how much you have to give. After all, tipping is not just about handing over envelopes; it is about showing appreciation for the people who bring your wedding vision to life.

But tipping can also feel overwhelming, especially when you are juggling budgets, contracts, and family expectations. Should you tip everyone, or just certain vendors? And how do you decide what amount feels right without overextending yourself?

Wedding Tipping Guide

When it comes to tipping, there are no hard and fast rules. Every couple’s situation is unique, and expectations can vary depending on location, culture, and the type of service. That is why we have put together this wedding vendor tipping guide to help you make thoughtful choices.

With a few smart wedding planning tips and a better sense of which vendors for weddings typically receive tips, you can show your gratitude without second-guessing yourself. Let us help you feel confident about where, when, and how much to tip.

Do You Have to Tip Wedding Vendors?

No, you do not have to tip every wedding vendor, but tipping is part of a common wedding vendor practice that many couples choose to say thanks. While tipping isn't required, it's a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the hard work vendors put into making your day special.

Many couples wonder if they should pay extra or if the contract already covers everything. The fact is, tipping customs vary, and while photographers and videographers or planners may sometimes be covered in contracts, others, like hair stylists or servers, often rely on tips. There is no single rulebook, but this blog will provide clear guidelines to help you decide.

Remember, tipping can be a small gesture with a big emotional impact, a meaningful way to tell someone you truly appreciate their effort on your wedding day.

Is Not Tipping Wedding Vendors Rude?

Not necessarily. While tipping is a common way of showing your appreciation, many vendors do not expect tips if they are the business owner or if you have already agreed on a set amount of money. However, offering a thanks or small gesture can still be a highly appreciated sign that you value their hard work.

Even a heartfelt note from a bride or client can mean a lot. Ultimately, it is about finding a meaningful way to appreciate the various people who helped make your day memorable.

How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors

When couples ask what to tip wedding vendors, the answer depends on the type of service and the level of involvement.

Below, we break down typical tipping ranges for the various types of wedding planning services, whether as cash or a percentage, to help you with this part of your wedding checklist.

Wedding Planner

After you narrow down your choice of wedding planner from a long list of wedding planners, it's important to know how to thank them. Tipping a wedding planner is optional, but if they provided exceptional service, couples often give $100–$500 or 10–20% of the planner’s fee. Because planners often own their businesses, they may not expect tips, but a heartfelt gift or personal note can go a long way.

Use your wedding vendor payment tracker to log this in your budget and avoid last-minute surprises.

Wedding Coordinator

For a day-of or month-of coordinator, a tip of $50–$200 is appreciated for their hands-on attention and problem-solving. These coordinators ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day, and tipping acknowledges their extra efforts, especially if they had to handle unexpected situations gracefully.

Makeup and Hairstylists

Tip 15–25% of the total bill, just like you would at a salon. If your stylist travels to you, you might also cover travel costs or offer a slightly higher tip. Add this to your checklist early to avoid scrambling for cash on the wedding morning.

Wedding Officiant

For religious officiants, it is customary to make a $50–$100 donation to their institution or church. For non-religious or civil officiants, a $50–$100 cash tip or a thoughtful gift shows your appreciation.

Wedding Photographer or Videographer

If they are part of a larger studio, tipping $50–$200 per photographer or videographer is a thoughtful way to recognize their time and talent. For assistants or second shooters, $50–$100 is standard. While tipping is not required for studio owners, leaving a glowing review or small gift can be a wonderful gesture.

A DJ usually receives $50–$150, depending on their performance, the length of the event, and whether they accommodate extra requests. You can hand this tip over at the end of the night or assign someone to deliver it on your behalf, making sure you provide clear instructions in your checklist.

Musicians and Performers

Tip live musicians $20–$50 per person, depending on the size of the group and the number of sets performed. For bands, make sure each member is tipped individually or designate someone (like a coordinator) to handle this gracefully.

Catering Team & Wait Staff

If the gratuity is not included in your contract, plan on tipping 15–20% of the total catering bill or $20–$50 per server, chef, or kitchen staff. Check your proof of payment to confirm what is already covered and what needs to be added.

Transportation

Drivers typically receive 15–20% of the total service fee, provided gratuity is not already included in the contract. Add this to your wedding list early, and assign someone to handle it at the end of the service so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Bar Staff

If the contract does not already include gratuity, tip bartenders 10–15% of the total bar tab or $20–$50 per bartender. You can also provide a tip jar if it is allowed, just confirm this with your venue ahead of time.

Florist

Florists generally do not expect tips, but if you are thrilled with the results, consider giving $50–$100 to the lead florist and $10–$20 to each delivery or setup team member. You can also show appreciation with a small thank-you gift.

Other Vendors to Consider

Bakery / Cake Delivery: $10–$20 per delivery or setup person, especially for intricate or tiered cakes.
Photo Booth Attendants: $50–$100 for the night, depending on their hours and level of guest interaction.
Lighting or Décor Installers: $20–$50 per person for elaborate setups or late-night takedowns.
Rental Delivery Teams: $10–$20 per person for handling heavy or delicate items like tables, chairs, or specialty rentals.

Who to Tip at a Wedding as a Guest

As a wedding guest, you are never required to tip, the couple typically handles that part using a wedding vendor payment tracker or similar system. But if you are wondering who should be tipped at a wedding by guests, it really comes down to personal choice and circumstance.

For example, you would not tip the officiant, planner, or photographer. Those are vendors hired and paid by the couple. However, if you go to the bar and want to leave a small cash tip in the tip jar (if one is allowed), that is always appreciated by the bar staff. Similarly, tipping a coat check attendant or valet (if provided) is considered polite, as those services are often designed to accept small tips from individuals using them.

Ultimately, tipping as a guest is about optional, situational gestures. It is not expected, but if you feel someone has gone out of their way for you personally, a small tip can be a nice way of showing your appreciation.

Alternative Wedding Gratuity Guide (Outside of Cash Tips for Wedding Vendors)

If you are looking for ways to show gratitude to wedding vendors beyond handing over cash, there are plenty of thoughtful alternatives. Writing a handwritten thank-you note, sending a small gift, or giving a shout-out on social media can all go a long way.

You might also refer them to friends planning weddings, referrals are a meaningful, long-lasting form of appreciation. These non-cash gestures still show gratuity for wedding vendors, letting them know you valued their effort and that their hard work truly made a difference on your big day.

Common Sense Gratuity Wedding Vendors Deserve, but Don’t Expect

Beyond tips or gifts, some simple acts of kindness mean a lot to vendors. Allowing them to have a meal during the event (since they are often there all day or night), offering them a couple of drinks at the bar if appropriate, or even just checking in to make sure they are comfortable are small but appreciated gestures.

After the wedding, following your vendors on social media, leaving a glowing review on Google or a business site, or commenting on their posts if they share your wedding photos are all excellent ways to show your appreciation and help boost their business. These thoughtful touches can sometimes mean just as much, if not more, than a cash tip.

How Much Do You Tip Wedding Vendors?

Do you personally tip wedding vendors, or do you feel it is not necessary? Some couples feel strongly that tips are owed because vendors put in long, demanding days to make the wedding a success. Others believe tipping is unnecessary, especially when contracts already include service charges or gratuity fees, which is common in certain areas of the USA.

There is no one right answer, and couples often make these decisions based on their budget, local customs, and personal feelings about vendor appreciation.

We would love to hear your thoughts.

Do you believe vendors deserve something extra, or do you think the built-in charges are enough? Join in on the conversation on our Instagram!

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