Tipping for weddings can be one of the most confusing topics for many Brides & Grooms. Do you tip the standard 15%-20%? On something you spent thousands of dollars on? Seems crazy right? Below is my tipping guide that I followed for our wedding. Coming from someone who usually tips between 20%-30%, you do NOT have to tip 20%! You also tip based on the experience and service. If you think they did an awful job, then use your best judgement.
Also, this is based on a wedding in New Jersey. I know different states have different price points etc.
*Please note picture is not mine*
Venue: We had a 22% service charge included in our contract. Make sure you ask what this includes! My venue includes that for the bartenders, waitstaff and banquet manager. This did NOT include my day of wedding coordinator and Maître D. They gave us a suggested tip amount for them though. They said Maître D is between $200-$300 and wedding coordinator is $100.
Music: It is standard to give $20-$40 per musician or $100-$200 for the DJ. I asked our DJ how many people they have helping out for the wedding- having that headcount is good not only for tipping but we also needed it so we could feed everyone.
Wedding Planner: we did not have a wedding planner, but I spoke to someone close to me & she said to tip the standard 20%.
Photography: usually if they own their own business you do not need to tip. However, I LOVED my photographer. He deserved EVERY penny. He brought a second photographer and assistant. In those cases you must tip & it should be between $50-$100.
Videography: usually if they own their own business you do not need to tip. If they bring a second videographer or assistant, you must tip between $50-$100.
Hair & makeup: Definitely should give the standard 20%! This includes everyone (bridesmaids, MOB, MOG, grandparents etc.)
Photo booth/ Live Painter/ Flower Wall/Other entertainment: $50-$100 each. Our photobooth was included with our DJ so I added the attendants tip with that.
Florist: you do not need to tip on the total bill, but tip the people delivering / setting up $20-$25 each. I loved my florist, she really hooked me up. I gave her and her husband something extra.
Transportation: we did not have transportation but I read somewhere that it is usually included in the contract but if not tip the driver 20%.
Cake: we had ours made by our venue, but if you are having yours delivered from someplace; tip at least $20!
Officiant: if the officiant is someone at your place of worship, usually a donation to the place of worship is good but you can tip on top of that $50-$100. If the officiant is a friend or family member they are probably not going to accept a gift, but I still gave my cousin a $100 gift card and glass with his name on it!
I hope this was a helpful guide! Comment below with any additional questions!
