Do We Tip Our Wedding Vendors?

As the wedding day approaches, you may be asking yourself if it is appropriate to tip wedding vendors. After fine-tuning the budget down to the penny, tipping might not have been on the radar. For some vendors tipping is optional, some expect it, and others already have it built into their contracts.

With so much information, it can be quite confusing. While still in the planning phase, let us guide you through this process so you can adjust where you see fit. Our tipping guide will help with who, how and when.

Music

The second best part of a wedding is the dance party that follows! We have a team of amazing DJs and musicians who know how to get everyone on the dance floor, yes EVERYONE! Get ready to bust a move!

Wedding Countdown

10-12 MONTHS

Interview & choose DJ and/or Band

4-6 MONTHS

Select ceremony musicians

Meet with your DJ about music for your wedding dinner & reception

Officiant optional

Clergy – donation to the church and $50-100 tip if they can accept it after the ceremony Non-clergy – $50-100 to be given after the ceremony

Planner optional

10-20% of fee or a gift at the end of the night or after the honeymoon

Delivery/setup staff at the venue expected

$10+ per person

Venue coordinator (if there is one) expected (unless included in fee)

$100-$500

HAVE a plan: Assign someone to distribute tips at the end of the night.

Caterer (if outside company)

$100 each person OR set total amount to be split amongst servers/bartenders

Catering (if part of the venue/restaurant)

Usually built into invoice.

Service charge is NOT gratuity.

Waitstaff

$15-$30+ per person

NOTE: Tipping guides found online read, “You do not need to tip a business owner”. However, something to keep in mind in Richmond, VA is that most wedding vendors ARE business owners as well as service providers. Our wonderful local wedding community is made up of small businesses. As an integral part of your most special day, tips are welcome by all. What better way to say how much you appreciate them?

Bartending expected (unless included in fee)

10-15% of pre-tax bill or $20+ per person. Make sure they do NOT have tip jar out if you are covering it. Bartending staff is paid differently than restaurant staff, so tips are mostly covered.

Rentals expected for delivery/ setup staff

$20-$50 per person depending on how much stuff

Apparel optional

$25-$50 per attendant

Alterations recommended

$15-$30 at the time of service

Photography optional

$75-$200 at the end of the night

Photography assistant optional

$40-$100 at the end of the night

Videography optional

$100+ at the end of the night

Flowers not typical DJ optional

$50-$150 at the end of the night

Ceremony Musicians optional

$25-$50 per person after the ceremony Band

$25-$35 per musician at the end of night

Invitations not typical

Need vendor gift ideas?

Some popular items are a bottle of wine or a gift card to Amazon or Target or one to your favorite local restaurants or shops.

Hair/Makeup expected

Cakes/Sweets not typical

Honeymoon not typical

DOUBLE check contracts: See if gratuity is built in

Transportation/ Drivers expected if not included in contract. Double check!

15-20% of pre tax bill after service is complete.

Valet

$1-$2 per car. Let your attendants know you have taken care of the tip

At the end of the day, one of the very best tips you can give that costs nothing is leaving your vendor a glowing review. You have a unique opportunity to help other couples while they are researching which vendor is right for them. The most popular review sites are Google, Facebook and of course on the RichmondWeddings.com website. Any and all vendors appreciate a review. Something else you may consider is when purchasing invitations, include extra Thank You cards to send a special note to your vendors.

Don’t Forget to Feed Your Vendors!

“Feeding your vendors a hot meal during your wedding weekend is not only an etiquette courtesy, it’s really a requirement if you want them to give their all. Vendors rarely have time to stop to eat, but if they can have a 5-10 minute break for some nourishment, that will really enable them to give their dedicated energy to your celebration!”

–Kim Moody with Kim Moody Design

June 5, 2021