How to Tip Your Wedding Vendors (Without Guessing or Stressing)
Let me tell you something that threw me off when I first started learning about weddings in the U.S
Tipping vendors.
Not because we don’t tip where I’m from (Nigeria), but because it’s... different.
Back home, tipping is there ...it’s just more low-key.
A soft thank-you handshake.
A little something slipped into a pocket.
Quiet.
Simple.
No envelopes, no spreadsheets, no drama.
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So imagine my surprise when I found out that in the U.S., tipping your wedding vendors is practically a whole event of its own.
There's etiquette.
There's math.
There are envelopes with names on them.
It’s a lot.
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So if you’re feeling confused about who to tip, how much to give, and when to hand it over ...don't worry.
You're not the only one.
And I got you.💗
Let’s break it all down, together.
First: Do You Have to Tip?
Not always.
Tipping isn’t required for every vendor
...but in most cases, it’s still expected (especially for service-based roles).
It’s a way of saying:
Thank you for showing up for me.
Thank you for making this day better.
Thank you for dealing with my family.
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And if a vendor went above and beyond for you?
A tip is a beautiful gesture of gratitude.
But i also know weddings are unneccesarily expensive these days.
So don’t panic if you can’t tip everyone.
Focus on the people who had their sleeves rolled up making your day run smoother
...and tip what feels respectful and doable for your budget.
Now let's get into how much you should tip...
Who to Tip ...and How Much
Let’s go vendor by vendor
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1. Wedding Planner
Tip? Optional but appreciated (especially if they went above and beyond).
How much? $100–$500, or a thoughtful gift + glowing review.
When? After the wedding ...you can give it directly or mail it with a thank-you note.
P.S:
If they saved your sanity 57 times, helped wrangle your entire family, & kept your wedding from going off the rails
…consider tipping generously if you can.
2. Hair and Makeup Artists
Tip? Yes.
This is standard ...just like tipping at a salon.
How much? 15–25% of their total service.
When? At the end of their service, before they pack up.
Side note: If they’re working with your whole bridal party, bring envelopes labeled for each stylist ahead of time to make things smooth.
3. Photographer + Videographer
Tip? Optional, but very appreciated.
How much? $100–$200 per lead shooter. $50–$100 for second shooters.
When? At the end of the night, or after receiving your photos/video (especially ...if you loved them).
Bonus: A glowing testimonial or online review will also mean the world to them.
4. DJ or Band
Tip? Yes ...especially if they kept the party alive
How much?
DJ: $50–$150
Band: $20–$50 per musician
When? End of the night.
5. Catering Staff (Servers, Bartenders, Chef)
Tip? Usually yes
...unless gratuity is already included in your contract (make sure you double-check).
How much?
Catering: 15–20% of the total food & beverage bill, usually split among the staff.
Bartenders: $25–$50 each if not already tipped via a tip jar.
When? End of service ...you can give the envelope to the catering manager.
6. Transportation (Shuttle, Limo, Car Service)
Tip? Yes.
How much? 15–20% of the total cost ...make sure you check your contract to see if it's already included.
When? End of the ride/service.
Quick Interruption...
While you're still figuring out the tipping stuffs ...
If you're are doing this on your own (...that is without a wedding planner)
And trying to organize and keep track of everything has being stressing you out.
I have a tool that i think would really help.
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So if you want to check it out
I dropped the link below
7. Officiant
Tip? Depends.
If it’s a friend/family member officiating:
Consider a thank-you gift or donation to their favorite charity.
If it’s a religious officiant:
A donation to the church/mosque/synagogue is common (usually $100–$500).
For professional officiants: $50–$100.
8. Delivery & Setup Staff (Florist, Rentals, Cake, etc.)
Tip? Optional but thoughtful.
How much? $10–$30 per person.
When? When they drop things off or finish setup ...your day-of coordinator can help hand these out.
9. Day-Of Coordinator
Tip? Yes, if they’re not the same person as your full-service planner.
How much? $100–$250.
When? End of the night or next day.
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How to Hand Out the Tips
The easiest way is;
1. Label envelopes ahead of time (name + role).
2. Put cash or checks inside ...crisp bills if you can.
3. Give to your day-of coordinator or a trusted friend to hand out at the right moments.
4. And add a handwritten note if you want to make it more personal.
And If You Can’t Tip Everyone…
That’s okay.
Don’t overextend yourself trying to meet every tipping standard.
A genuine thank-you and a positive review can be just as valuable to some vendors.
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Okay brideys that's all for now.
Don't also forget to check out My Wedding Planning Bundle (the tool i mentioned earlier)...
It will really help take the weight off ...especially if your doing it by yourself
Link is below again, if you want to grab it
See you loves in my next post💕
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