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

A space heater can keep you warm on chilly December nights. Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help. It's a good idea to have the furnace checked in the fall, before you need it. Planning holiday travel with a pet? We cover the cost of pet travel. Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages.

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

Why calligraphy costs so much... Paid: 500.00 As a veteran calligrapher, my rates fall in this range. The rates may seem outside the budget but the skills and time required take many years to learn, not something that can be learned over a weekend or a YouTube video... [more] -Cora Taylor, Calligraphy Studio Calligraphy Cost Shingles Vaccination Paid: 25.00 Got my vaccination at Walgreens. Have WellCare Health Insurance. Am 76 years old. My copay is $25.00... [more] - Shingles Vaccine Cost Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 500.00 No clue that United Health would view this as surgery. Thought it was preventative. Total bill was 1500. Had to pay deductible. This was essentially a very expensive pap... [more] -AvaMonica Colposcopy Cost Service and warranty are worth the price Paid: 848.00 I am extremely nearsighted (-11.25) and hard to fit for progressive multi-focal lenses because frame size and shape are limited; I need a frame that can handle thick lenses... [more] -Julie C Eyeglasses Cost Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced 8 cylinder Paid: 200.00 P0300 code cylinder #2, ordered ignition coils online and purchased spark plugs at O’Reilly‘s. Took about an hour and a half to replace all eight... [more] -Busted knuckle Ignition Coil Replacement Cost Apadravya Paid: 95.00 $95 + tipFreehand piercing... [more] -E M Body Piercings Cost