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.
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Things You'll Need
- Wedding Thank-you Stationery
- Thank-you Greeting Cards
- Red Wines
- Envelopes
- Pens
Instructions
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Talk to the site manager to find out about tipping policies and how tipping has been handled in the past.
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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.
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Designate someone to be in charge of tipping ' the host or wedding consultant is a likely prospect.
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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.
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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.
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Comments
View all 13 Comments-
I think it's time that most of the etiquette on wedding tipping articles are rewritten. There are very few that truly get it right. I am an independent officiant, and these articles typically say that we are not to be given a tip. Excuse me? Like the ladies below, I often run the rehearsal, pin on the flowers, fluff and bustle, keep the bride calm, etc. I most certainly go above and beyond, and trust me, do not charge extra for that. Officiants typically do NOT make much (if you figure the hours spent divided by total $). We most certainly DO need to be tipped if, like in every other situation, the client thinks we have delivered excellent service.
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I have a question. I'm getting married this next weekend and the wedding venue not only charged us 20% for food and services, which we are happy to pay and expect but, charged us another 20% on the cost of the rental of the facility. Is this normal or are they trying to get extra free money? Please help.
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mercymelms
Sep 03, 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 -
mercymelms
Sep 03, 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
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weddingideas
Nov 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.
