Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who to Tip & EXACTLY How Much in 2025

First, Let’s Talk Wedding Tip Philosophy

Tipping isn’t a strict rule, but it is a classy, appreciated gesture. Think of it as the cherry on top for vendors who helped pull off your big day. You’re not legally or morally bound to tip everyone, but doing so for those who went above and beyond? That’s solid couple karma.

Before You Even Think About Tipping…

Check your contracts. Seriously. Many vendors build in gratuity, service fees, or “administrative charges” that cover tipping. Translation: tip already included. Don’t double up unless someone truly went superhero mode.

The Ultimate Wedding Vendor Tipping Cheat Sheet

🥂 Catering, Servers, and Bartenders

• When to tip: If it’s not already built into the invoice.
• How much:
  • Catering manager/maître d’: $200–$400
  • Waitstaff/bartenders: 15–20% of the food & beverage bill split among them
• Pro tip: If there’s a “service fee,” ask if that goes to the staff or just the business.

💄 Hair & Makeup Artists

• When to tip: Always, just like at a salon.
• How much: 15–25% of their total service fee
• Bonus: Tip in cash the day of, or Venmo if they’re cool with it.

🎶 DJs, Bands, Ceremony Musicians

• When to tip: If they brought the energy and kept things smooth.
• How much:
  • DJ: $50–$200
  • Band: $25–$75 per musician
• Tip hack: One giant envelope is fine, just label it clearly.

📸 Photographers & Videographers

• When to tip: Optional, especially if they’re the business owners. If they have a team or second shooters, a tip is appreciated.
• How much: $50–$200 per person, depending on effort
• Instead of tipping: Leave a stellar review and tag them in your wedding pics. That’s social currency, baby.

🛐 Officiant

• When to tip: Almost always, unless they refuse.
• How much:
  • Religious: Donation to the organization ($100–$500), and optionally $50–$100 for the officiant
  • Non-religious/professional: $50–$150, or whatever feels right
• Don’t forget: A heartfelt thank-you card goes a long way.

💐 Florists

• When to tip: Totally optional unless they did major setup or had a team on-site.
• How much: $50–$100+ if they crushed it
• Alternative: Send a gift or leave a sweet review instead.

🍰 Cake Baker

• When to tip: Optional unless they delivered or set up the cake.
• How much: $20–$50 to the delivery person
• Sweet option: Drop off a thank-you note (and maybe a photo of you cutting the cake).

🪑 Setup & Delivery Crews

• When to tip: YES! These unsung heroes lift, haul, and build the party before you even show up.
• How much: $10–$50 per person, depending on effort
• When to give: Envelopes handed off by planner or a trusted person during setup.

🚗 Transportation Drivers

• When to tip: Only if the tip isn’t already built into your contract.
• How much: 15–20% of the bill, or $50 per driver
• How to tip: Before or after the service—whatever is easier for you.

🚗 Valet / Parking Attendants

• When to tip: Always.
• How much: $1–$5 per car
• Pro move: Leave a labeled envelope with your coordinator to hand out.

✂️ Seamstresses / Tailors

• When to tip: Optional, but consider it for miracle fixes.
• How much: $20–$50
• Bonus tip: If they saved your wedding dress two days before the wedding, maybe go big.

When You Don’t Need to Tip

• If the owner of the company is the one providing the service, tipping is optional.
• If a service fee or gratuity is already listed on your invoice, you’ve probably already covered it.
• If your budget is stretched thin, a thoughtful thank-you note and glowing online review can work wonders.

Smart Tipping Tips (Meta, We Know)

• Budget early: Build tipping into your wedding spreadsheet from day one.
• Use cash: It’s fast, easy, and always appreciated.
• Label everything: “For Sarah: Hair” is much better than “???”
• Delegate: Assign a trusted person (planner, best man, MOH) to distribute tips.

Final Takeaway: Do What Feels Right

Tipping isn’t about obligation… it’s about appreciation. Whether it’s $50 in cash, a warm thank-you note, or a glowing 5-star review, make sure the people who made your day happen know they’re valued. Use this guide, trust your gut, and tip with confidence, not confusion.