In the whirlwind of wedding planning, one topic that can get overlooked is when to tip vendors. Yes, the etiquette of gratuity at your wedding is something that should be discussed. Here we will review the ins and outs when it comes to tipping your wedding vendors.
What’s The General Rule?
First things first, check your contracts. Some vendors will include gratuity in their pricing, while others will leave it up to your discretion. You want to be sure that gratuity isn’t already included, so you end up tipping them double. In general, think of tipping as a thank-you to your vendor for exceptional service and honestly, something that is often expected.
Who Should You Tip?
Now, let’s get specific. Who should you tip and what amounts are common to tip? This can get pretty confusing, as there are many vendors involved in your wedding. The good news is that we are here to help!
Here are some of the typical vendors and suggested tip amounts:
- Catering Staff: 15-20% of the food and drink bill unless a service charge/gratuity is already included in the contract.
- Photographer/Videographer: If they own the studio, no tip is required. If not, consider $50-$200 per person.
- Florist: Tipping is not necessary, but a tip of 10-15% is appreciated for excellent work.
- DJ/Band: DJs can be tipped $50-$150, while each band member could get $20-$50.
- Officiant: If they’re part of a religious institution, consider a donation of $100-$500. If not, a tip of $50-$100 is appropriate.
- Hair/Makeup Artist: 15-20% of the total bill is the standard, just like at a salon!
- Limo Driver: 15-20% of the total bill unless it is included in the contract already.
When To Tip?
Some vendors should be tipped at the end of their service (like your hair and makeup artist), and others at the end of the wedding (like your DJ or band). You can assign someone you trust, like your wedding planner, a family member, or wedding attendant, to distribute envelopes with the tips. Make things easy on yourself and prefill envelopes with cash tips and write the name of who they go to in the week leading up to your wedding!
Bring Your Dream Wedding to Life at The Park Savoy Estate!
Now that we’ve tackled the topic of tipping, it’s time to talk about the perfect place to celebrate your nuptials. The answer to that is at The Park Savoy Estate. Nestled in New Jersey, our venue marries historic charm with modern elegance. Our breathtaking gardens are the perfect backdrop for those memorable “I dos,” while our timeless ballroom awaits to host your joyous reception. So, are you ready to start your forever at The Park Savoy Estate? Give us a call to learn more and book a tour. We can’t wait to make your dream wedding a reality!
