Photo by: Type and Timber 

When you are overwhelmed with wedding planning, it can be hard to stay on top of the multiple nuances. One of the questions that always arises at the end of the celebration is how much to tip wedding vendors and which vendors are you supposed to tip. You don’t want to make this decision on the spot!

At Watson Block, we have significant experience working with the best wedding vendors in the Twin Cities area. That’s why we have explicit knowledge of tipping etiquette. We’ve designed this wedding tipping guide that answers all of your questions!

Why Tipping Your Wedding Vendors is Important

Tipping is a way to show appreciation for vendors’ work and dedication to making your wedding day special. It acknowledges their efforts and the quality of the services provided. Don’t skip this step and make your vendors worry they’ve disappointed you.

Wedding tipping also helps support the livelihood of vendors and their staff. Some vendors may rely on tips as a part of their income.

It is not expected to tip people who are owners of a large business. However, their staff and owners of small businesses are typically open to receiving tips. No matter who you tip, always send a thank you note and leave a review for the business. They’ll appreciate all these gestures of gratitude!

The Art of Tipping: Wedding Vendor Edition

Tipping wedding vendors is a science. You need to study all the details long before the wedding day begins. Here is how much to tip wedding vendors in each niche.

Wedding Planner Tipping Etiquette

Consider tipping wedding planners 10%-20% of their total fee or giving a flat amount based on the quality of service provided. You can personalize the tip based on your satisfaction with their assistance. Alternatively, you can buy them a thank-you gift.

Tipping Guidelines for Catering Staff

For catering staff, it’s common to include gratuity in the catering contract. Usually, it’s around 15%-20% of the subtotal of food on the catering bill. If gratuity is not included, consider tipping each staff member individually based on the level of service they provided.

Showing Appreciation for Your Photographer and Videographer

The common tipping amount for the photographer and videographer is 10%-15% of their total fee. Alternatively, you can give $50 – $100 to each member of the team. While you can’t base the amount on the quality of their service, you can consider their behavior and attitude at the event.

Photo by: Abi Jane Photography

Thanking Your Musicians or DJ

Show your gratitude to the musicians by tipping them 10%-15% of their fee. Alternatively, you can offer a flat amount, depending on the length of their performance and the quality of their service. Usually, each member of the team should get between $25 and $50.

Honoring Your Officiant

For regular officiants, a tip of $50-$100 is appropriate as a gesture of gratitude. Members of the clergy, however, may not accept tips. In such cases, consider donating to their religious institution in their honor.

Gratitude for Hair and Makeup Artists

The regular tipping amount for hair and makeup artists is 15%-20% of the total fee. Add-ons, such as lashes or hair extensions, aren’t part of the amount you base the tip on.

When planning your special day, keep in mind that tips aren’t mandatory. If you aren’t happy with a vendor’s service, you aren’t obligated to tip them.

In many cases, the service charge or gratuity is included in the vendor contract. Make sure to read it carefully in order not to pay twice. Include tips in your wedding budget from the start so you aren’t surprised by the added expense at the last minute.

Watson Block: Creating a Memorable Day with Gratitude

Preparations for the wedding day can be a lot to manage. At Watson Block, we work hard to minimize the pressure on our couples. Besides providing a beautiful and charming venue, we can help you collaborate with the best vendors in the Twin Cities area. We invite you to come tour our unique venue in a historic building in the North Loop of Minneapolis. Let us show you around and chat about all the amenities we offer to make planning your big day easy.

Armed with this wedding tipping guide, you have one less thing to worry about. To learn more about venue and vendor opportunities, please contact us at any time.