Wedding Vendor Tip Calculator
Calculate appropriate tips for all your wedding vendors
Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide
Tipping wedding vendors is customary for good service, though not always required. Some vendors (like venue owners) don’t expect tips, while others (like catering staff) rely on them. Budget 15-20% of the service cost or fixed amounts depending on the vendor.
Who to Tip and How Much
- Catering Staff: 15-20% of food bill (often included in contract, check first)
- Bartenders: 10-15% of bar bill or $20-50 per bartender
- Wedding Planner: 10-20% if not owner, or $100-500 flat amount
- Photographer: $50-200 (not required if owner, but appreciated)
- Videographer: $50-200
- DJ/Band: $50-150 per performer
- Florist: $50-100 or 10-15% of bill
- Hair/Makeup: 15-25% of service cost
- Officiant: $50-500 depending on relationship and ceremony
- Delivery/Setup Staff: $10-20 per person
- Valet Attendants: $1-2 per car (paid by couple, not guests)
- Restroom Attendants: $1-3 per guest (provide basket)
When Tips Are NOT Expected
Venue owners and business owners typically do not expect tips. However, their staff members do. Check your contracts - many include automatic gratuity (18-22%). If gratuity is included, you can still tip extra for exceptional service.
Wedding Tipping Best Practices
Prepare tips in advance in labeled envelopes. Assign a trusted person (best man, maid of honor, planner) to distribute tips. Tip at the end of service, not before. Budget $500-1,500 total for all vendor tips. Cash is preferred, though Venmo/Zelle is becoming acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about tipping for this service
Tip catering staff (15-20%), bartenders ($20-50 each), photographers ($50-200), DJ/band ($50-150 per performer), hair/makeup (20-25%), delivery/setup staff ($10-20 each), and valets ($1-2 per car paid by couple).
Budget $500-1,500 total for all vendor tips depending on wedding size. This is separate from contracted fees. Prepare tips in advance in labeled envelopes for easy distribution.
Traditionally no, but it's increasingly common to tip 10-20% regardless. Always tip employees of vendor companies. If your photographer owns their studio, a tip is appreciated but not required.
Distribute tips at the end of service, not before. Assign a trusted person (best man, maid of honor, or wedding planner) to handle tip distribution so you can enjoy your day.
Many wedding contracts include automatic gratuity (18-22%), especially for catering and bar service. Read contracts carefully. If included, you don't need to tip extra unless service was exceptional.