Who do it tip? When do I tip? What amount? Should I tip my vendors?
Although gratuity is never obligatory, it's always cherished in the wedding industry. Tipping is a humble gesture to demonstrate gratitude to the diligent and imaginative professionals who pour their hearts, souls, and energy into making your special day extraordinary. Additionally, gratuity doesn't always have to be in the form of cash; there are countless ways to "tip" your vendors and express appreciation.
As seasoned planners, our clients often turn to us for guidance on wedding etiquette, including gratuity. With years of experience working with couples and vendors, we're delighted to eliminate the stigma surrounding tipping. Delve into our comprehensive Purple Door Planning Tipping guide below for everything you need to know about wedding vendor tipping protocols.
It's important to note that any wedding vendor providing a service on the day-of may be tipped, particularly if their performance surpasses your expectations. This encompasses a wide range of vendors, including but not limited to:
Photographer / Videographer
Coordinator / Planner
Hair and Makeup Stylist
DJ / Musicians
Florist
Transportation
Caterer
Photo Booth
Wait Staff
Note: However, it's crucial to carefully examine your vendor contracts to ensure that gratuity hasn't already been included on your invoice. By doing so, you can avoid doubling the gratuity and ensure that everyone is compensated accordingly.
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is how much to tip wedding vendors. Here's a guide to typical gratuity amounts for various vendors:
Coordinator / Planner: 8–10% of their fee, or up to $1,000. A thoughtful gift card is also an appropriate way to show your appreciation for your planner's efforts.
Photographers / Videographers: $50 - $200 per person on site
Officiant: $50 - $100
Florist: 5-10% of your total floral bill or a creative gift card
Hair & Makeup: 15 - 20% of total
Transportation: $10 - $20 per driver
Musicians: $20 - $25 per musician / DJ: $50 - $150
Photo Booth: $50 per person on site
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and you may choose to adjust the amount based on the quality of service provided or your budget. Additionally, make sure to check your vendor contracts to ensure gratuity isn't already included in the invoice.
Wondering when is the best time to distribute gratuity to your wedding vendors? Tips can be given either on the day-of or after the event has ended, once the services are complete.
It's essential to note that gratuity is not mandatory but rather an additional way to express gratitude for outstanding service.
Pro Tip: Save yourself time and stress by organizing your tips in labeled envelopes. This way, your Purple Door Planning planner/coordinator can efficiently handle the distribution of payments and vendor tips on the day-of, ensuring that everyone is appropriately compensated.
One meaningful way to show support for your wedding vendors after the big day is by writing a public review for each of them. Reviews can significantly impact a vendor's business and help future couples when selecting vendors for their wedding.
A comprehensive review that highlights the services provided and the vendor's role in creating your special day is especially valuable.
Pro Tip: Be sure to express your appreciation for their hard work by giving a detailed account of their contribution to your wedding. This will not only help your vendor but also serve as a helpful reference for other couples planning their wedding.
You can take a look at a few of Purple Door Plannings Kind Words here.