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-tippin...
3.  ourmarriage.com/html/tipping.html
4.  www.weddingzone.net/p-tips09.htm

Check Out All Costs for Weddings		How Much Does a Champagne Toast Cost?		How Much Does a Beach Wedding Cost?		How Much Does a Boutonniere Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

It's not too late for a flu shot. Need help uncovering your driveway? You may need a snow removal service. A space heater can keep you warm on chilly December nights. If you are planning a trip to the slopes this winter, you might needs snow tires. Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost