One of the most questioned parts of any wedding is who should be tipped and how much? It is important to note that when deciding who and how much to tip, check your contracts to make sure gratuity is not included in your vendors’ fees. If you feel they have gone above and beyond, then tipping extra would be greatly appreciated, but not required. As with any tips you give, it should be based on service. If the service was sub-par, then the amount you tip (or do not tip) lies within your reason. However, for standard service, here’s a good guideline to follow:
Officiants – Often tips are not accepted, but donations ($75-$100) to the officiant’s clergy are.
Catering Staff – Can be tipped either 15-20% of the total bill or $100-$200 for the catering/banquet manager, $50 each chef/baker, and $20-$30 each waiter/kitchen staff. Again, be sure to check to see if this gratuity is already included in your contract as often times (at least here in NJ) this is a fixed amount included with the catering service.
Musicians and DJ’s – Musicans should be tipped about $20-$25 per person and $25 for the DJ.
Stylists and Makeup Artists – This doesn’t differ from regular service days and you should expect to tip 15-20%.
Photographers, Videographers, Florists, and Wedding Coordinators – Since many of these professionals own their own businesses, tipping is not required. If they do not own their own businesses (working for someone else), then photographers, videographers, and florists could be tipped $30-$50 and wedding coordinators $50-$100. Even if your vendors own their own business, if you feel they went above and beyond, feel free to tip 10% of the costs you paid.
Site Staff (Coat checkers, powder room attendants, valet parking attendants) – Though easily over looked, these people help to move your day along smoothly and without them chaos would ensue. You can tip coat checkers $1-$2 per guest, powder attendants $.50-$1 per guest, and $1-$1.50 per car for valet service.
Delivery People and Drivers – Be sure to check with your limousine companyto see if gratuity is included. If not, it is customary to tip 15-20% of the bill. Delivery people can be tipped $5 per person.
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
