Planning your wedding day is an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also be a whirlwind of details and decisions. As you prepare for your big day, it’s essential to consider all the people who will be a part of making your wedding dreams come true.
One aspect of wedding planning that often requires some thought and consideration is tipping. While tipping isn’t obligatory, it’s a gesture that is very much appreciated. To help you navigate this etiquette, we’ve put together a list on who to tip when preparing for your special day.
Wedding Attire Providers
While it’s not common to tip the salespeople at bridal shops, it’s a good idea to tip the seamstress or tailor who makes any necessary alterations to your wedding attire.
Transportation Providers
If you’ve arranged transportation for your wedding party or guests, it’s customary to tip the drivers. Consider a gratuity of 15-20% of the total transportation cost.
Hair and Makeup Artists
Your beauty team is responsible for helping you look your best on your wedding day. While tipping is not mandatory, it’s customary to tip your hair and makeup artists around 15-20% of their service fee.
Officiant and Ceremony Musicians
Don’t forget to show your appreciation to the officiant and any musicians involved in your ceremony. A tip of $50 to $100 is usually appropriate.
Wedding Venue Staff
Let’s start with the obvious – the staff at your chosen wedding venue. While some venues include gratuity in their contracts, it’s always a nice gesture to tip the venue coordinator, servers, bartenders, and any other on-site staff who go above and beyond to make your day perfect.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Your wedding planner or coordinator is an invaluable asset throughout the planning process. They help you with every detail, from vendor selection to day-of coordination. Showing your gratitude with a tip is not only appreciated but expected. Consider a percentage of their fee or a flat amount, depending on the level of service they provide.
Catering Team
If your wedding venue provides catering services, it’s customary to tip the catering team separately. Typically, you can calculate this tip based on a percentage of the total catering bill, similar to how you would tip at a restaurant. Discuss the tipping policy with your catering manager to ensure that your gesture of appreciation reaches the right hands.
Coat Check and Restroom Attendants
If your venue provides coat check and restroom attendants, a small tip of $1 to $2 per guest is appreciated.
Photographer and Videographer
Capturing the moments of your wedding day is a crucial task, and your photographer and videographer work tirelessly to create lasting memories. Tipping them is a thoughtful gesture, typically ranging from $50 to $200 per person.
Musicians/DJ
If you have live musicians or a DJ providing entertainment at your wedding, tipping them is a great way to show your appreciation. Depending on their service quality, consider tipping around $50 to $100 per person.
Tipping is a meaningful way to express your gratitude to the individuals who contribute to the success of your wedding day. While it’s essential to budget for these gratuities, remember that tipping is entirely based on your discretion and the level of service you receive. It’s also a good practice to have cash on hand in envelopes for easy distribution on the day of your wedding.
As you embark on this beautiful journey together, don’t forget that your wedding day is a celebration of love, unity, and shared dreams. It’s a day to cherish the moments, embrace your loved ones, and create lasting memories. While tipping is an important aspect of showing appreciation, what truly matters most is the love and commitment you share.
At the heart of it all, your wedding day is about the love story you’re beginning, and the people who surround you are there to support and celebrate your union. So, as you consider tipping those who have contributed to your special day, also remember to take a moment to reflect on the love that has brought you together and the beautiful journey that lies ahead. Cheers to your love and a lifetime of happiness together!