One area couples tend to neglect when creating their wedding budget is vendor gratuity. But when it comes to proper etiquette, it is customary to provide an additional gratuity for some vendors.
Prepare Accordingly:
When curating your budget, we recommend creating a specific line item so you aren’t caught off guard come wedding day. We also recommend going to the bank the week of your wedding to withdraw cash instead of waiting to do it on wedding day. You’ll have enough going on that weekend… and so will your parents.
(Pro tip: Be sure to check your contracts and invoices, as some vendors automatically include gratuity. These vendors commonly include transportation and sometimes beauty.)
Follow this Guide:
Below is a general guide on which vendors commonly receive gratuity and how much. (Note: These amounts are not fixed but are agreed upon within the Dallas/Fr. Worth events community.)
And for those vendors who do not traditionally receive gratuity, we recommend showing your appreciation in other ways, like a handwritten note or, better yet, an online review.
Beauty (Hair & Makeup)
20% of the service cost. Or $100 per master/lead artist and $50 per additional stylist.
Waitstaff
For hotels and venues that offer in-house catering, a service charge is often included in the total bill; therefore, providing additional gratuity for waitstaff is not needed.
For 3rd party caterers, a gratuity of $25 per server is appreciated.
Venue Manager/Event Sales Manager = $200
Banquet Captain(s) = $100 each
Bartenders = $50 each
Transportation
First confirm if gratuity is included in your current invoice, which is common with transportation companies. If not, the average tip rate is $100-150 per driver.
Officiant
If you are getting married at a church, there is either a set fee for the Officiant included in your ceremony rental fee or you may be requested to provide a gift (honorarium). The average honorarium fee is $400-600.
Private ministers typically do not receive gratuity. However, if you would like to thank your Officiant for their exceptional service, a 10% tip is appropriate.
Entertainment
Ceremony:
Church = Commonly included in the church rental fee
Secular = $50 gratuity per musician
Cocktail Hour:
$50 per musician
Reception:
Band = $50 per musician
DJ = 10% of overall cost
Photography & Videography
$200-$300 per Lead
$100 per Associate
Wedding Planner
Wedding planners work for a set fee and do not expect a tip. But if you feel you’ve received exceptional service and want to show your gratitude for their hard work, a 10% of the planning package cost is adequate. (We also love a glowing online review!)
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