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I Don’t Know How To Tip…
It takes a village to plan and implement a successful event. Tips are expressing your
appreciation for a job well done. At the end of the day, gratuity is completely at your
discretion. You are the only person to determine the best way to thank those who have
contributed to the success of your special day.
You can’t tip everyone, so who do you tip and how much? Here are some guidelines to
follow:
1. Check your contracts! Many times the gratuities are in the contract so check before you
tip and this way you avoid double tipping. If the tip is not in the contract you might
want to add it upfront so that you have saved for it and paid it and you don’t have to
worry about it on the day of your occasion.
2. Never tip the owners! This includes the venue owner, photographer who owns the
studio, or the hairdresser who owns the shop. But surely tip the workers involved in the
service.
3. Tip anyone who goes the extra mile! If you have last minute changes or if someone
worked long and hard to add something personal or to make part of your event flawless,
they deserve added recognition. This can be as simple as a “thank you”, a bottle of wine,
money or a gift.
4. Check ceremony policy! Do you pay the officiate in cash or make a donation to the
house of worship? Many times a nondenominational officiants, who you pay a fee,
receive a tip of $50-100 or a gift.
5. Follow this guide for other people that you hire for the special day:
Bartenders: 10 percent of the total liquor bill (to be split among them)
Bathroom attendants: $1 to $2 per guest
Catering manager: $200+ or a personal gift
Chef: $100+
Coat check attendants: $1 to $2 per guest
Hairstylist: 15 to 20 percent
Transportation: 15 percent
Maitre d’hotel or headwaiter: 1 to 3 percent of food and beverage fees
Makeup artist: 15 to 20 percent
Musicians: 15 percent of fee for ceremony musicians; $25 to $50 per musician for
reception
Photographer/videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100
Valet or parking attendants: $1 to $2 per car; 15 percent for valet parking
Waiters: $20 and up each (distributed by the catering manager or maitre d’)
Wedding planner: 15 percent of fee or a personal gift
DJs and Dancers: $50.00 – $200.00
