When planning a wedding, there are numerous vendors involved to make the day special. It is customary to thank them for their services through tipping. However, figuring out the appropriate amount to tip each vendor can be challenging for couples. Let's look at some tips on how to tip these vendors for their hard work!
The amount of tip to be given to the catering staff is typically included in the contract. Couples should verify whether gratuities are included in the contract before tipping. If not, it is customary to tip about 15-20% of the total bill's cost, divided per server.
When tipping your photographer or videographer, it strongly depends on the type and quality of their work. Photographers with excellent quality work may receive a tip of 10-20% of their total fee. Alternatively, couples can gift a wedding album to their photographers as a sign of gratitude. On the other hand, videographers tend to receive significantly less and are typically tipped 5-10% of their total fee.
Second shooters or assistants should be tipped anywhere from $50-$200 depending on the amount of work they did and their contribution to the final photos or videos.
Typically, wedding photographers also offer editing services for couples. If you receive satisfactory service, feel free to tip your editor around $50-$100.
Wedding coordinators work tirelessly to ensure that your wedding day is perfect, so it is imperative to make them feel appreciated. A gratuity of 10-20% of their fee or a gift can do the trick while gifting a wedding planner a handmade note or a testimonial as a show of appreciation is also something many appreciate.
If an assistant coordinator was present, a tip of $50-$100 is appropriate, depending on their contributions to the ceremony and reception's success.
Destination weddings require additional work and coordination, thus tipping up to 20% of their service fee is reasonable. Be sure to check with your planner to ensure they have verified gratuities included in the contract before considering tipping.
When it comes to hair and makeup artists, a 15-20% tip of their fee is customary, excluding the trial session's price. Feel free to tip more if their work goes beyond your expectations.
Tipping additional hairstylists or makeup artists $20-$50 is a kind way to thank them for making your bridal entourage beautiful.
In conclusion, tipping each vendor depends on quality service and their contract. Whatever tip you give, be sure that it reflects your level of satisfaction with the service provider. They will undoubtedly appreciate your gesture of gratitude.
Catering Staff
When it comes to giving tips to catering staff at a wedding, it is important to remember that gratuity is often included in the catering bill. However, if it is not, it is appropriate to give 15-20% of the total catering bill as a tip. If the service is exceptional, feel free to give an additional 5% as a bonus.
It is important to note that if the catering staff also provides bar service, a separate tip should be given for that as well. Typically, a tip of $1-2 per drink is appropriate for bartenders.
If you are unsure whether gratuity is included in your catering bill or if you are unsure of the appropriate amount to give as a tip, it is always a good idea to discuss it with the catering manager or coordinator. They should be able to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.
To ensure that the catering staff receives their tips, it is a good idea to prepare envelopes in advance with each person's name and the appropriate amount enclosed. You can then give these to the catering manager or coordinator to distribute to the staff at the end of the event.
Remember, while tipping is important to show your appreciation for exceptional service, it is ultimately up to your discretion. Don't feel pressured to give more than you are comfortable with, but if the service is exceptional, it is often a nice gesture to show your gratitude.
Photographer/Videographer
When it comes to tipping your photographer and videographer, it's important to consider the level of service they provided on your big day. Typically, a tip of 10-20% of their total fee is appropriate if they went above and beyond, but it's also reasonable to give a smaller amount if you feel they did what was expected of them.
Keep in mind that your photographer and videographer may have a team working with them, such as a second shooter or assistant. If this is the case, it's common to tip each team member individually, with a smaller percentage for those who played a smaller role.
You may also want to consider leaving a positive review for your photographer and videographer, as well as recommending them to friends and family. This can go a long way in helping their business grow, and they will likely appreciate the gesture just as much as a tip.
In addition to the traditional tip, consider giving a small gift or handwritten thank you note to show your personal appreciation for their hard work. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant, but a little extra gesture can go a long way in showing your gratitude.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to make sure you are comfortable with the amount you choose to tip or gift. It's your special day, and you should feel confident that you are showing your appreciation in a way that feels genuine and appropriate.
Second Shooter/Assistant
When it comes to tipping your second shooter or assistant photographer, it is important to consider the same amount as you would for your main photographer. If your main photographer includes a second shooter in their package, they will usually include a gratuity for them. However, if you have hired a separate second shooter or assistant, it is customary to tip them between $50-$100 each.
It is important to note that the second shooter or assistant is just as crucial as your main photographer in capturing all the special moments of your wedding day. They work alongside your photographer to take additional shots from multiple angles and help with gear and lighting setup. So, if you are satisfied with their work, it is a nice gesture to compensate them accordingly.
If you are unsure of the appropriate amount to tip, you can always consult with your main photographer or wedding planner for guidance. Additionally, you can include a note of appreciation with their payment or offer to write a positive review for their services.
In summary, tipping your second shooter or assistant photographer is a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication throughout your special day. Consider tipping them a similar amount as your main photographer and express your gratitude for all their contributions to making your wedding day a success.
Editor
When it comes to your wedding album, the editor plays a crucial role in making sure your memories are captured flawlessly. They are responsible for curating your photos and arranging them in a visually stunning way. Therefore, a tip is a great way to thank them for their hard work. The appropriate amount to tip an editor is around 10% to 15% of their fee, depending on the quality of their work and the amount of time they spent on your project.
It's important to note that some photographers and videographers may include editing in their package, so be sure to ask if you need to tip the editor separately. Additionally, if the editor is part of a larger photography/videography company, it's customary to tip the lead photographer/videographer who will then distribute the tip among their team.
If you're unsure of how much to tip, consider the quality of the work they provided and the amount of time they spent on your project. A heartfelt thank-you note is also a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work. Avoid tipping with a check or credit card and opt for cash instead.
Overall, tipping your wedding vendors is a kind and appreciated gesture, but it's important to remember that it's not required. A well-written review and referrals are also great ways to show your gratitude and help their business grow.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator
When it comes to tipping your wedding planner/coordinator, it's important to consider the level of service they have provided throughout the entire planning process. A standard tip would be around 15-20% of their fee, but if they have gone above and beyond your expectations, don't be afraid to give them a little extra.
In addition to the lead planner/coordinator, it's important to consider tipping any assistant coordinators who have also helped with your wedding. They often work just as hard as the lead planner and should be recognized for their efforts. A tip of $50-$100 for each assistant is appropriate.
If you are planning a destination wedding and have hired a planner specific to that location, you should also include their travel expenses in their tip. A tip of 10-20% of their total fee, plus their travel expenses, would be a fair amount.
Remember, your wedding planner or coordinator is responsible for making sure your big day runs smoothly and stress-free. A little recognition for their hard work goes a long way in showing your appreciation. And don't forget to leave a glowing review for them online to help them continue to grow their business.
Assistant Coordinator
When it comes to tipping your assistant coordinator, it's important to consider their level of involvement in the wedding planning process. If your assistant coordinator was involved in tasks such as vendor management, organization of guests, and overall event execution, you may want to consider tipping them between 10-15% of their fee. However, if their role was limited, a smaller tip of $50-$100 is more appropriate. It's important to remember that a tip is not required, but it's a great way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to making your wedding day a success. In addition to a monetary tip, a heartfelt thank-you note can go a long way in expressing your gratitude. Keep in mind that the amount you tip may also depend on your wedding budget and personal preference. So, be sure to take into account the assistant coordinator's contribution to your special day and tip accordingly. Remember, a little gesture of appreciation can mean a lot to those who have worked tirelessly to make your day a memorable one.
Destination Wedding Planner
If you're planning on having a wedding out of town or abroad, a destination wedding planner could be the perfect resource to have in order to ensure that every detail is in place. The wedding planner will be able to advise you on the best possible wedding vendors to use, such as florists, caterers, and decorators, based on their familiarity with the location. They can streamline the planning process and help avoid any logistical issues that may arise, such as permit requirements and language barriers.
When deciding on an appropriate tip amount for a destination wedding planner, it's important to consider the level of services provided. If your wedding planner has gone above and beyond in assisting you with travel arrangements or negotiating prices with local vendors, then a slightly higher tip may be justified. However, if the planner's role was minimal and their assistance was limited to securing the venue, then a tip of 10% to 15% of the total cost may be more appropriate.
One way to show your appreciation to your destination wedding planner is to give them a small gift. You could consider a personalized gift such as a monogrammed tote bag or a wine bottle with a custom label. Additionally, consider writing a heartfelt thank you note expressing your gratitude for their hard work and dedication in making your dream wedding a reality.
In sum, hiring a destination wedding planner can make the process of planning a wedding from afar much easier. When it comes to tipping, just like with any other vendor, consider the level of service provided and show your appreciation with a heartfelt thank you note and perhaps a small gift. By doing so, you'll be sure to make a long-lasting positive impression and show your gratitude for their work.
Hair and Makeup Artists
Hair and makeup artists are an essential part of any bride's wedding day. They are responsible for making the bride and her bridesmaids look gorgeous and ready for the big day. When it comes to tipping them, it's essential to consider the quality of their services and how long they've dedicated to making the bride look her best.
Typically, tipping hair and makeup artists 15-20% of the total cost of their services is appropriate. For example, if the total cost of hair and makeup services for the bride was $400, consider tipping them $60-$80. However, if they went above and beyond or accommodated special requests, it's appropriate to tip them even more.
It's a good idea to discuss tipping with hair and makeup artists before the wedding day, so they can provide their expectations. Ensure to have cash on hand to tip them if there isn't an option to include it in their final invoice. If it's not possible to tip them at the wedding, it's a thoughtful gesture to send them a handwritten thank-you note and gift card to show appreciation for their hard work.
In some cases, there might be additional hair and makeup artists assisting the primary artist. If they contributed significantly, it's appropriate to tip them 10-15% of their total cost. It's also helpful to check contracts with the hair and makeup vendor to determine whether a team of artists will be present and whether the tip is included in the final invoice.
In conclusion, tipping your hair and makeup artists is a thoughtful and appreciated gesture after the wedding is complete. Take into account the quality of their services, any special requests they accommodated, and if applicable, whether they brought an assisting team. By following these guidelines, you'll be sure to thank your hair and makeup artists properly for their hard work on your special day.
Assistant/Additional Artists
For many brides, looking their best on their wedding day is a top priority. This is why many choose to hire a hair and makeup artist to help them achieve their desired look. However, bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party may also wish to have their hair and makeup done by a professional. In such cases, it's important to compensate these additional artists with an appropriate tip.
If the hair and makeup artist brings along an assistant or additional artist to help with the workload, it's customary to tip them as well. However, the amount you should tip may differ from the main artist. Typically, a tip of 15-20% of their total fee is appropriate.
In some cases, an assistant or additional artist may provide services that are less expensive than the main artist. In such cases, you may opt to tip them a flat fee of $20-$50, depending on the quality of their work and the complexity of the task they performed.
It's important to keep in mind that tips for hair and makeup artists, as well as their assistants and additional artists, are always voluntary. However, showing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication is a great way to thank them for helping you look your best on your special day.
In addition to tipping, there are other ways you can show your appreciation for your hair and makeup artist and their team. For example, you can provide a snack table or a small gift to help keep them energized and motivated throughout the day. You can also give them a shoutout on your wedding website or social media pages, which can help boost their business and attract new clients.
At the end of the day, it's important to show your hair and makeup artist, as well as their assistants and additional artists, that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. By tipping them appropriately and showing your gratitude in other ways, you can help ensure that they continue to provide high-quality services to brides and wedding parties for years to come.
