Menu

How to Tip Your Wedding Vendors

Episode 45
Menu
Listen to the episode

Refer to the time-stamped show notes below when you want to revisit any particular portions of the episode.

Show Notes

0:32 Welcome back to the Guide Gals! Today we will be talking about how to tip your wedding vendors
0:38 Tipping may be an expense you just remembered so we are here to show you why it is necessary!
1:13 Beverages of the Day!
2:38 Let’s lay our foundation for tipping
2:48 Read over your contracts!
3:14 If gratuity is included, tipping is not necessary
3:25 What is a service charge and what makes it different than a gratuity
4:15 You are not required to tip business owners
4:45 Prep your tips in advance
5:35 Tipping is never mandatory
6:20 Think about tips as you budget your wedding!
6:54 Expected Tip 1: Delivery and Set Up
7:48 It is customary to tip someone who delivers or sets up something for your wedding
7:54 $5-20 per person is the industry average based on the complexity of the setup
8:32 Give this tip upon delivery
9:03 Additional ways to thank these people is by supplying them with coffee, drinks, or snacks!
9:37 Expected Tip 2: The Officiant
9:42 This one can get tricky because some officiants can not accept a monetary gift
10:10 Give them something at your rehearsal dinner!
11:08 Expected Tip 3: Makeup Artists and Hairstylists
11:43 15-20% tip is normal per stylist
12:03 Give it to them right after everyone’s hair and makeup is done
12:35 Check your contract first tips
12:53 Check your contract first tip 1: Bartenders
13:10 Wedding guests should not be asked to tip
13:25 10-20% of the overall alcohol bill is normal (split between bartenders)
13:40 Give this to them at the end of the reception
14:06 Check your contract first tip 2: Catering staff
14:10 15-20% of the food and beverage bill
14:25 Cash tips for each specific role
14:30 Give this to them at the end of the reception
14:36 Check your contract first tip 3: Transportation
14:50 15-20% for transportation given to them upon pickup or after the last ride
15:11 Check your contract first tip 4: Venue Attendants
15:18 A gratuity will most likely be included but if not expect to tip $1-2 per guest/car given at beginning of the wedding
16:03 Optional Tip 1: Wedding Coordinator/Planner
16:30 If they go above and beyond, you should definitely tip them
16:37 How much should you tip them or gift giving as a tip!
17:15 You can give this to them at the end of your reception or after your honeymoon
17:32 Optional Tip 2: DJs or Musicians
17:46 What to tip each musician
18:15 Give this to them right after their performance
18:25 Optional Tip 3: Floral Designer
19:00 What you should tip 
19:05 Give this to them upon arrival or departure
19:36 Optional Tip 4: Photo Booth Attendant
19:50 Tip them based on time or amount of guests
20:18 Optional Tip 5: Photographer and Videographers
20:34 They do so much so tipping them is really kind!
20:50 $50-200 per photographer/videographer is a good gift
21:30 Get our worksheet on all this tip information on our website.
23:15 Contact us on our website at theguidegalspodcast.com
23:35 Where else to find us!






















check out our freebie printable downloads

free wedding printables designed by the experts at here comes the guide to help guide you through planning in the most efficient way possible.

explore freebie library
Free.99
“As you finalize your wedding budget, don't forget about an important expense: tipping your vendors"

brand and website design by wave creative studio + absolute jem - photography by jenny A. rogers photography 
MEDIA CAPTURED AT GRADUATE HOTEL NASHVILLE