Which of your Wedding Vendors are Expecting a Tip?

One of the first things you do after your engagement is set a wedding budget. It’s important to remember to reserve a little of that budget for your vendors that go above and beyond. Prepare tips in separate envelopes to be handed out the day of. Not all vendors expect a tip, and some may be written into your contracts to avoid confusion, but there are a few that will be expecting one. Here’s the short list on who and how much is expected.

1. Your makeup artist and stylist. Just like in a salon, prepare at least a 15 to 25 per cent tip depending on the quality of the work. 

2. Wedding Ceremony Officiant.  If your officiant is affiliated with a church, or you’re having a church wedding, there is usually an expected donation of $100-$500. It can be the higher end if you belong to the church. For a non-denominational officiant, $50-$100 is the norm.

3. Transportation. Check the contract, if the driver’s tip is not included, expect to give them anywhere from $50 and up at the end of the night.

4. Caterers. Including the maître d’, the banquet manager and the on-site coordinator. There will be a service charge (for staff like bartenders, servers, valet staff, coat room attendants etc.,) but if an additional tip is not included in the contract, expect to pay 15 to 20 per cent of the food and drink bill  and/or $200 to $300 for the maître d’.

5. Delivery Staff. This includes anyone who is delivering important items or a lot of gear to the site. $5-$10 per person is the norm. Talk with your Wedding Planner or catering manager to find out how many envelopes you’ll need. 

All other vendors are not expecting it, but do appreciate a tip. If you’ve given a long-list of demands or they have gone above and beyond to give you the wedding of your dreams, show your appreciate with a little extra gratuity or an appreciative gift.