How to Tip Wedding Vendors

To tip or not to tip, that is the question. The answer depends largely on the quality of service rendered on this hectic day. Remember, to receive a tip is a privilege, not a right.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wedding Thank-you Stationery
• Thank-you Greeting Cards
• Red Wines
• Envelopes
• Pens
• Pens

1. Talk to the site manager to find out about tipping policies and how tipping has been handled in the past.

2. Plan ahead and have tips ready in sealed envelopes prior to the event. Be sure to have extra envelopes on hand for those unexpected lifesaving services.

3. Designate someone to be in charge of tipping ' the host or wedding consultant is a likely prospect.

4. Base your tips on performance, using these guidelines. Head honcho at the reception: 20 percent of the bill. Wait staff, disc jockey and musicians: $25 each. Bartenders: 10 to 12 percent of the liquor bill. Delivery persons, florists and drivers: $10 each. Parking, coatroom and powder room attendants: $1 or less per guest or car.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your bills carefully to avoid double tipping. Tips are often included in the bill automatically.
• If you really appreciate a service, put it in writing. A thoughtfully written letter of thanks could be just the thing that gets a vendor his or her next job - or even a promotion.
• It may be inappropriate, or even insulting, to tip such vendors as caterers, photographers and wedding planners if they own their own business. To show your appreciation for such services, consider giving niceties such as a bottle of wine instead. Remember, if you're ever in doubt about when or whom to tip, simply ask.

[mercymelms]

on 9/3/2008 This is not right, I agree with the other wedding photographers... we spend more time with a bride and groom and their families then any other vendor does. We also take on the roll as a planner, and coordinator on the wedding day. I have served many cakes, bustled many gowns, did last min emergencies, made calls, and bent over backwards for many clients, pin on the corsages and bootinieers almost always (should be florist's job). I go above the call of duty, in every situaton. Who ever wrote this article is wrong. Why are we counted out? We dont get to sit in the air cond. for hours doing a lite job, like many other vendors. We bust our buns out in 100 degree weather without taking a drink of water or sitting down for 5-6 on average at a time, and staying 10-12 hours on average. This article needs to be re written, and include us. I was told by a client one time, that he read it is not s

[weddingideas]

on 11/11/2007 I agree with you Rachel! Why would it be insulting for a business owner to receive a tip? Tips are meant to signify that someone did an exceptional job, so it shouldn't really matter if they are the owner or not.

[Rachel0814p]

on 6/5/2007 Who ever said business owners don't appreciate tips?! My photographer partner and I run our own wedding photography business out of California, and we REALLY appreciate it when we receive tips for our hard work and professionalism. We're with our brides and grooms the entire day of the wedding--often starting around 10AM when the bride begins the process of hair & makeup, and ending only when the reception wraps up, sometimes not until 11 or 12 at night. We spend 10, 12, sometimes 14 hours with our clients on their wedding day--longer than any other vendor except perhaps the coordinator. We put a lot of effort into building relationships with our clients outside of the wedding day: pre-day consultations, the engagement session, ongoing communication with image selection and album design. While certainly not necessary, a tip or a gift for service well done is ALWAYS welcome.

[DjDennis]

on 10/9/2006 Remember America isnt the only Country in the world

[DjDennis]

on 10/9/2006 Sorry being in a Different Country we dont do Tipping

if you have tipping in my country it sounds cheesy
plus then we get told you didnt charge enough for your services
get a better paying job if you rely on tips...