Month: December 2008

 

When it comes to a wedding tipping can become quite confusing. The key is to read your contracts closely for gratuity and service fees. When these are applied to a bill, it is not necessary to include a tip. Traditionally, the best man handles all of the tipping on the day of the wedding. However, if the best man cannot do this then assign someone you trust. Envelopes with the recipients name on them will make this job easier for them. Also, remember that tips can add up quickly. It is a good idea to include them in your wedding day budget.

 

Wedding Planner

Wedding planners work for a set fee and do not typically expect a tip. If you feel your wedding planner did a wonderful job, you are more than welcome to tip them. Also, a letter of recommendation or professional photos from your photographers will go a long way!

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: 10-15% of the total fee
When to Tip: After the reception

Seamstress/Dress Fitter

It is not customary to tip your Seamstress/Dress Fitter, but if they did an extra special job you may want to.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: $15-$30
When to Tip: After final fitting.

Hair Stylist and Make-Up Artist

This one is one were gratuity is definitely expected. Tip as you would at a normal visit to a salon but add a little extra if they did an extra special job or if there was a crisis.

Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount: 15-20% of total bill
When to Tip: At the end of your service

Delivery and Set-Up Staff

If the delivery or set-up fee is not included in your contract, then the staff will expect a tip. Check the fine print of your contract.

Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount: $10-$15
When to Tip: Drop off cash envelopes the day before the wedding to the catering manager so the person accepting deliveries can deliver the tip.

Officiant

If your officiant is affiliated with a church or synagogue, you’re often expected to make a donation to that institution. If you’re a member you’ll probably want to give a larger amount than if you’re not. However, if you’re getting married there and they’re charging you to use the space, feel free to give a smaller amount. If you’re using a nondenominational officiant, no tip is required because they will charge you for their time.

Tip Expected:Yes (depending on officiant)
Standard Amount: Donate $500+ to the church or synagogue, or, for a nondenominational officiant, an optional tip of $50 – $100
When to Tip: Before the ceremony

Ceremony Musicians

Typically there is a flat rate for the ceremony musicians, so you do not have to tip. However, if the musicians are volunteering their services or have done an exceptional job you should tip them.

Tip Expected: No (unless volunteering time)
Standard Amount: $20-$30 per person (more if volunteering)
When to Tip: After ceremony

Photographer/Videographer

These guys do not expect a tip. All of their services are included in the price. If you want to repay them for a job well done, then you are more than welcome to tip them. You may also reward them by placing a big print order!

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: $50 – $200 per vendor
When to Tip: After reception

Reception Staff

A tip is expected if it is not already included in the price on the contract.r. A service or gratuity charge is almost always built in to the food and drink fee, so check your contract. If the gratuity is not included, tip as follows.

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount:15 – 20 percent of the food and drink fee (based on labor, not the cost), or $200 – $300 for the maitre d’
When to Tip: After reception.

WaiteStaff

It is not necessary to tip the servers if you have already paid a gratuity in your contracted price. Check to ensure whether a service charge is included in the caterer’s contract. If not tip as follows.

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount:15-20%
When to Tip: After reception.

Valets and Parking Attendants

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount: Tips should range from $1 – $2 per car
When to Tip: After reception

Coat Check and Restroom Attendants
Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount: Tips should range from $1 – $2 per guest.
When to Tip: After reception

Bartenders

Usually you will find that the bar manager will add a service charge to the bar bill. If this is not the case then you might want to tip the bartenders.

Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount:10-15%
When to Tip: After reception

Cake Bakers

Your cake decorator does not expect anything above the contracted price. However, if you would like to give them a little something extra you may.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: 10-15%
When to Tip: Upon delivery

Florists

The same goes for the florists as for the the cake decorator. They do not expect anything above the contracted price. However, if you would like to give them a little something extra you may.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: 10-15%
When to Tip: Upon delivery

Reception Musicians

Whether you hire 12-piece swing band or grooving to a DJ, tipping musicians is completely optional. (Depending on the quality of the job and how willing they were to follow your ideal playlist!) And don’t forget about any sound technicians they bring with them.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount:$20 – $25 per musician; $50 – $150 for DJs
When to Tip: After reception

Transportation

Do check to see if a gratuity has been included in their bill as this is often the case with transportation fees for weddings. If not or if you want to reward them for their service on your wedding day then tip as follows.

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount: 15-20%
When to Tip: At the end of the last ride.

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