Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who Gets What and When
Tipping wedding vendors follows different rules than restaurant tipping. Some expect it, some do not. Here is the definitive guide.
The total wedding tip budget typically runs $800-2,500 depending on vendor count and service level. Prepare cash in labeled envelopes before the wedding day and assign a trusted person — best man, maid of honor, or day-of coordinator — to distribute them. You should not be thinking about tips on your wedding day.
Who to Tip and How Much
Catering staff and servers: 15-20% of the food and beverage bill (often already included in the contract — check before adding). Bartenders: $25-50 each or 10-15% of bar total. Photographer and videographer: $50-200 each (optional if they own the business). DJ: $50-150. Wedding planner or coordinator: $100-500 or 10-20% of their fee. Officiant: $100-500. Hair stylist and makeup artist: 15-25% of service cost. Drivers and limo: 15-20%. Delivery staff (florist, cake, rentals): $10-25 each.
When Tipping Is Not Expected
Business owners who set their own prices are not expected to receive tips — though it is always appreciated. If your photographer charges $4,000 and runs their own studio, a tip is a kind gesture, not an obligation. Employees and staff who did not set the price always deserve tips.