Your Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide

One of the most common questions couples ask during planning is, “Who should I tip—and how much?” This wedding vendor tipping guide breaks down standard gratuity practices so you can budget confidently and show appreciation to the team bringing your day to life.

While tipping is never mandatory, it’s a meaningful gesture for excellent service and a thoughtful way to thank the professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. If you plan to tip, build gratuities into your budget early to avoid surprises later.

Standard Tipping Practices

Beauty Team

Gratuity: 15–20%, depending upon the quality of service
When to Tip: On your wedding day following all services

Rentals + Setup Staff

Gratuity: $20–$40 per person, depending on complexity of your setup
When to Tip: Hand off the tip in an envelope to the person who will be receiving the deliveries for them to distribute upon completion of setup

Florist

Gratuity: 10-15% of the total floral cost
When to Tip: Following completion of setup or after ceremony to reception floral transfers are completed

Baker

Gratuity: Bakers – 10-15% of the total bakery cost
Delivery Team: $10-$20 per person, depending on the size of the delivery and setup required
When to Tip: Following cake or dessert bar setup

Stationery

Gratuity: $100-$200 or a personalized gift
When to Tip: At the final delivery of your wedding day stationary

Dj or Band

Gratuity: $50-150 for a DJ or 10-15% of the total entertainment fee for a band
When to Tip: Following your wedding reception

Wedding Photographer, Videographer or Content Creator

Gratuity: $100–$200 per photographer or videographer, $50 per second shooter
When to Tip: Following your wedding reception, before they depart for the evening

Wedding Planner or Coordinator

Gratuity: 10-15% of the planner/coordinator’s final bill, $50 – $100 per assistant
When to Tip: Following your wedding reception

Officiant

Gratuity: Donate $100–$500 to the church or synagogue, and for the officiant, a tip of $50-$100. This will vary depending on how much time your officiant has spent with you in preparation of the wedding
When to Tip: Following the wedding ceremony

Alterations

Gratuity: $30 to $100 depending on how much work they are doing on your attire
When to Tip: At your final fitting

Banquet Staff and Bartenders

Gratuity: Dependent on contract. This cost is sometimes built into your contract so be sure to check that prior to allocating part of your budget here. If gratuity not included, 15–20% of the food and drink fee or $100-$200 for the head chef, and $25-$75 per staff member
When to Tip: Following your wedding reception. Give the gratuity in an envelope to the banquet caption to distribute to their staff

Transportation

Gratuity: 15–20% of the total transportation bill
When to Tip: Following their last service of the night

Other ways to show your Appreciation

Tipping your vendors isn’t the only way to express gratitude. These gestures go a long way in supporting the vendors who supported you:

Write Reviews

Reviews help vendors book future clients and improve their online visibility. Post the same review on multiple platforms such as Google, Yelp, The Knot, and WeddingWire. We suggest asking your vendor their preferred review platform(s).

Share Photos and Tag Your Vendor Team

Posting your wedding photos and tagging your vendors increases their exposure and helps future couples discover them.

Refer Them to Friends and Family

Word‑of‑mouth referrals are invaluable. If you loved your vendor team, tell everyone who’s newly engaged.

Engage on Social Media

Likes, comments, shares, and saves help boost their content and reach more couples.

Whether you choose to tip financially or show appreciation in other heartfelt ways, acknowledging your vendor team’s hard work is always meaningful. This wedding vendor tipping guide is designed to help you honor the professionals who pour their energy into making your day unforgettable—letting them know they exceeded your expectations will absolutely make theirs.