Wedding Tipping Cost

Typical costs:

• In general, the wedding planner should receive 15 percent of the total fee, or a gift such as a spa package or restaurant gift certificate.
• A wedding caterer will typically include a 15 to 25 percent gratuity in their bill. Wait staff should be tipped an additional 15 percent of the catering cost if the gratuity is not already included in the contract. Tip bartenders 10 to 20 percent of the total alcohol bill, delivered in a lump sum to the head bartender to be split between all bar staff.
• A photographer or videographer working as an employee of a company should receive a tip equal to 15 percent of the total bill. If they work independently or freelance, a tip is at the couple's discretion.
• Musicians should be tipped as follows: organist or soloist $35 to $75; ceremony musicians performing in a group $5 to $10 per person, per hour; reception band $10 to $25 per musician; DJ $50 to $100. Tip the entire amount to the person in charge of the group.
• Tip the limo driver 15 to 20 percent of the total bill, if not already included in the hourly rate. Tip the parking valet $1 per car, and ask that they politely decline tips offered by wedding guests. It is also a good idea to put up a sign outside the entrance instructing guests that tips are not accepted. Tip restroom or coatroom attendants $1 per guest.
• Tip $10 to $20 for flower delivery or wedding cake set up. Tip 15 to 25 percent for wedding hair and makeup performed at a salon.

• No one person should be tipped more than $150 for their services, according to Frugal Bride^[1] .
• It is not required to tip business owners, only employees performing a service on behalf of the company. However, do tip a business owner when the service exceeds expectations.
• While expected tip amounts vary, The Knot^[2] , Our Marriage^[3] and Wedding Zone^[4] each offer helpful advice on budgeting for wedding tips.
• When receiving a high level of service, it is considered polite to include a thank-you note along with a tip.

• A wedding coordinator is typically responsible for distributing tips to each of the wedding vendors. If no wedding coordinator is involved, the best man or one of the parents can hand out tips.
• It is customary to give tips in cash, which is already prepared and sealed in envelopes ahead of time. However, it is acceptable to wait until just before the vendor leaves to give them their tip, to ensure that excellent service was given.
• Officiants treat wedding fees differently. Ask upfront what the fee is for a wedding. If there no fee is accepted, it is proper to make a donation to the church or parish of anywhere from $100 to $500.

1.  www.frugalbride.com/tipping.html
2.  wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-che...
3.  ourmarriage.com/html/tipping.html
4.  www.weddingzone.net/p-tips09.htm

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