Your wedding day is a special day, and it’s a day that you want everything to go as planned. It’s the day you make promises to your lover, and the day when you say your “I Do’s.” But imagine paying for a service, and the workers gave you outstanding service without necessarily expecting extra pay as a sign of appreciation. As a couple, you would want to go the extra mile to express your gratitude to the people that made your perfect day possible, which brings us to tipping.
What is wedding tipping?
Wedding tipping is the act of showing monetary appreciation to your vendors for a job well done. It’s also a way of acknowledging and thanking them for their services in helping to create your memorable day. Wedding tipping may seem overwhelming, especially since you are still dealing with wedding planning. Fear not! Here are some wedding tipping rules that can help you navigate the process.
Catering tips
When you have a catering service at your wedding, expect to tip the servers and chefs separately. Some catering companies may include a gratuity fee of around 20% in your final bill; make sure to read through your contract and confirm this. If a gratuity fee isn’t in your contract, tip the servers, bartenders, and chefs at least 15% of the total catering bill. If the service is excellent, you can tip 20% of the catering bill or beyond.
Servers and bartenders: Each server or bartender should receive $20 to $50 per hour in cash or check.
Chefs: For each chef that works on your wedding, offer a gratuity of $50 to $100. Chefs typically work behind the scenes, and it may be easy to forget them when it comes to tipping. But keep in mind that they were the ones responsible for the preparation of the delicious food served at your wedding.
Wedding planner
Your wedding planner works tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly, so you can have a stress-free wedding day. According to The Knot, it is not mandatory to tip your wedding planner. Still, if you think that your planner’s services added extra value to your wedding day, tipping them will be appreciated. A good tip for your wedding planner would be based on their level of expertise, and the time and effort they put into giving you the wedding of your dreams. A tip of between 15% to 20% of their fee, or a gift of equivalent value, is a good way to say thank you.
Hair and makeup
Typically, hair and makeup vendors do not expect a tip. However, tipping them will make them appreciate your appreciation for their services and hard work. So, if you think the hair or makeup artist did an excellent job, choose to tip 15% to 20% of the total cost.
Photographers and videographers
When planning for your wedding, photographers and videographers are some of the most crucial services on your vendors’ list. They capture the essential moments of your wedding day, and you want them to produce the perfect footage. If your contract does not include a gratuity fee, tipping the photographers and videographers will show your appreciation for their hard work. If they work a full day, offer a gratuity of around $100 to $200.
Transportation
If you provide transportation for your wedding guests, then tipping the driver is a great way to express your gratitude for their service. Offer each driver a gratuity of between 15% to 20% of the total cost.
The Bottomline
When it comes to tipping your wedding vendors, it’s best to plan ahead as you budget your wedding expenses. Knowing your tipping budget in advance will make the process more manageable and ensure that you have enough cash to hand out on your wedding day. Moreover, it’s essential to keep in mind that your vendors chose to be part of your special day because they wanted to provide you quality service. So, if you find their services to be exceptional, tipping them is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Conclusion
Wedding tipping is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of planning a wedding. It’s important to remember that your vendors played a key role in making your special day memorable, and tipping is a great way to thank them. Remember to plan ahead, read your contracts, and budget accordingly. Show your appreciation and enjoy your perfect day!
FAQ
What is the tipping policy for weddings?
Tipping is an important aspect of wedding etiquette, and it can often be confusing to know how much to tip and who to tip. When it comes to tipping at weddings, it’s important to know that there are no hard and fast rules. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to ensure that you’re tipping appropriately.
One thing to keep in mind is that many wedding vendors will include a service fee in their contracts. This fee typically covers tips for the employees who work the event. It’s important to read your contracts carefully to ensure that you’re not tipping twice.
When it comes to tipping at the reception, a good rule of thumb is to tip 15-20% of the total bill. This includes the cost of food, drinks, and any additional services provided by the catering staff. If you’re unsure of how much to tip, you can always ask the event coordinator or catering manager for advice.
It’s also important to remember that each vendor should be tipped individually. This includes the bartenders, waitstaff, and catering managers. You can typically give each person a cash tip at the end of the night, or you can place the tips in an envelope and give it to the catering manager to distribute.
When it comes to tipping vendors like the florist, photographer, and DJ, it’s important to know that tipping is not always expected. However, if these vendors have gone above and beyond to make your day special, you may want to consider giving them a small tip as a token of your appreciation.
In general, when it comes to tipping at weddings, it’s always better to err on the side of generosity. Wedding vendors work hard to make your day special, and a little extra cash can go a long way in showing them that you appreciate their efforts.
Do you tip wedding vendors before or after wedding?
Tipping wedding vendors is an important practice that shows appreciation for the services they have rendered. The question of whether to tip before or after a wedding is often asked, and the answer is not straightforward. While some vendors prefer to be tipped before the wedding, others might prefer to receive their gratuity after the wedding day.
It is generally recommended that you tip your wedding vendors the day before the wedding day. This will give enough time for the tip to be processed and distributed accordingly. It also avoids the rush and stress of trying to find the right vendor on the day of the wedding.
On the day before the wedding, you can prepare envelopes of cash for each vendor and drop them off at the venue. You may give the cash envelopes to the catering manager or coordinator, who will distribute the tips to the appropriate vendors. It is important to remember to label each envelope with the name of the vendor and indicate that it is a gratuity.
It is essential to research and understand the customs and expectations of tipping in your local area. Different locations may have different customs when it comes to tipping, and it is important to know what is considered appropriate in your area.
When it comes to tipping vendors after the wedding, it is important to do so promptly. While it is courteous to send a thank-you note or an email expressing your appreciation, cash is often the preferred method of gratuity. Ensuring that the vendor who provided the service is acknowledged and appreciated can lead to better service and a long-lasting professional relationship.
Tipping wedding vendors is an important way of showing appreciation for their hard work and making your wedding day a success. It is generally recommended to tip your vendors the day before the wedding and label each envelope accordingly. Tipping promptly after the wedding is also courteous and can lead to better professional relationships.
