Here’s a Little Tip for Your Big Day….

Weddings can be an expensive affair. And when you pay that much for your vendors, it’s easy to think you are finished once the final invoice is paid. But what about tips? Most people don’t even think about giving tips to those that help make their special day possible. Although tips are traditionally expected, many couples have fell out of touch with what is proper when considering the tip to deliver. The major questions stick out to be answered while you are planning your budget for tips:

Who to tip?

• Transportation Drivers
• Hair/Make-up artists
• Wait staff and bartenders
• DJ or Band(It’s nice to tip every individual member equally)
(optional)
• Ceremony or reception musicians
• Banquet captains
• Photographer/videographer
• Officiant
• Florist
• Baker
• Wedding Coordinator

What to tip?

Tips should all be in cash- in separate envelopes with the vendor’s name on the outside of the envelope. While it’s customary to tip 15-20%, you also have to take into account what the over-all total was. To make things easier, you can also tip a flat rate to each individual vendor, depending on their level of service.

Hair and Make-up Stylists should be tipped about 20% of their charge. Each musician should get about $25 each- and a DJ should be tipped no less than $25. Your catering staff should get about $20 per server and the banquet manager can appropriately be tipped up to $200, depending on the level of service and cost of your food and beverage. Florist, photographers and videographers should get between $30 and $50. Wedding Coordinators should get about $50-100. If any of these have assistants, it’s nice to tip them as well. (You can always call ahead of your wedding and ask your vendors if they will be bringing any assistants and how many, so you can be prepared that day).

When to tip?

Tips should be handed out on your wedding day- and if you do not have a wedding planner, assign a family member or close friend to pass these out to the correct vendors. It’s always easier to tip directly before a vendor leaves. If you miss them- you can always mail the tip after the wedding. A check is much safer to mail than cash.

The ‘tip’ to tipping is to do so gratefully and with humility. Don’t make a big deal out of the situation and neither will your vendors. In fact, you will only strengthen your relationship with them. They are forever a part of your life, as they spent the best night of your life with you, and helped to make it a dream come true!