TO-DO LIST

Tipping the Vendors

You just thought "I have to tip the vendors, aren't I paying enough!" Below are proper guidelines regarding tipping, so here goes!

• All tips should be given in cash in envelopes clearly marked for each vendor.
• No one/single person should get more the $150 (example: shuttle bus costs $2,000 - tip would be $200-$300. $150 is all that is required.)
• Tips should be given just before your vendor leaves so that you already know the job they did for you.
• All vendors would love a thank you call or a review on the website of their choice - it helps them book future clients!

1. Altar boys/girls -- $10-$15 each.
2. Limo drivers -- 10-15% of the limo bill (some limo companies include the gratuity on the contract, but it is still appropriate to give the individual driver $25-$50 for a job well done. The tip they receive from their employer gets taxed!)
3. Valet parking / Restroom / Coat attendants -- 50-cents to $1.00 per attendant. Prearrange the amount based on your estimated guests. Post a sign for your guests that gratuity has been taken care of.
4. Wait staff -- If tip is not included in the contract, 15% of the total catering bill, before taxes.
5. Bartenders -- 10% of the total liquor bill, presented to the head bartender or divided equally among them (if this is not included in the contract.).
6. Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist -- If they travel to you, no tip is necessary. If you go to a salon, tip them 15%.
7. DJ - If your DJ owns the company, the tip is optional. If the DJ is an employee, tip them $50-$100. If you have two DJs, divide the tip between the two in separate envelopes.
8. Business Owners - you don't need to tip them unless they've done an outstanding job for you.
9. Ceremony / Reception Musicians -- $5-$10/hr. per person. One lump sum given the person in charge.
10. Banquet or Catering Manager -- don't need to be tipped unless they've thrown in extras or save you hundreds on your bill. The tip would be between $50-$100.
11. Photographer / Videographer -- If they own the company, the tip is optional. If employees, $50 goes to the main photographer / videographer and he/she can split with the assistant.
12. Photo Booth – If they own the company, the tip is optional. If employees, $50 goes to each attendant.
13. Officiant -- To tip them is to demean their professional and extremely bad etiquette. You may make a contribution to the church.
14. Florist -- $5 per delivery location or $10-$20 per staff member. One lump sum for set-up and delivery.
15. Wedding Cake Baker -- $10 at time of delivery to the delivery person.
16. Your Wedding Coordinator -- If the coordinator owns the company, no tip is necessary unless they have gone the extra mile to help you (10% of fee charged).. A tip of $50 is appropriate for their assistant.
17. Your Wedding Planner -- This person has planned your wedding from beginning to end - an appropriate tip would be 10% of the fee they charged you.