Do you have to tip your wedding vendors?

Wedding party portrait after the ceremony at Barn South in Talmo, Georgia; photo by Kait Victoria Photography

As the wedding industry grows and evolves, so do the expectations and etiquette that come along with it. There are more couples planning unique celebrations, more vendors offering specialized services, and—yes—more questions about tipping. Just like in other service industries, tipping has become a thoughtful way to show appreciation. But with that comes a big question:

Do you have to tip your wedding vendors?

The answer is simple: No, you don’t.

While tipping is never required, it’s always appreciated. It’s something extra—a kind and generous gesture above what you've already paid in your contract. And when it comes from a genuine place of gratitude, it can mean the world to the vendor who made your day special.

Why tip?

Tipping is one of the ways to thank a vendor who has gone above and beyond for you. Whether they flawlessly executed your wedding timeline, helped calm your nerves, or stayed late to ensure everything was perfect—it’s a way of saying: "I see your effort, and I appreciate it more than words can say."

It’s not just about rewarding good service—it's about acknowledging heart and the hands-on care that often goes unseen behind the scenes.

Alternatives to tipping:

Can't swing tipping everyone financially? Don’t stress. There are several meaningful alternatives that are just as appreciated:

• Leave a 5-star review on Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, or their social media pages

• Send a handwritten thank-you note

• Refer them to friends or on local wedding Facebook groups

• Tag and credit them in your wedding photos

• Gift them something personal (think: a bottle of wine, a framed wedding photo with a note, or a small local gift)

These gestures can go a long way—especially for small businesses or solo vendors.

Tipping your wedding vendors is a thoughtful way to say “thank you” for making your big day run smoothly—but it can also be confusing to know who to tip, how much, and when.

Here’s a comprehensive (and stress-free!) guide to tipping your wedding dream team:

• Venue staff (coordinator, manager, etc)

  • Coordinator/Manager: $100-$300

  • Set-up/breakdown crew member: $25-$50 per person

• Officiant: $50-$150

• Catering staff: $50-$100 per person

• Bartender

  • If a tip jar is allowed: $50-$100 per bartender

  • If a tip jar is not allowed: $100-$300 per bartender

• Planning/Coordinator: $100-$1,000

• Hair stylist/Makeup artist: 15%-25% of the total service cost

• Photographer/Videographer: $50-$200 per person (including second shooters and assistants)

• DJ: $100-$300

• Musicians: $25-$75 per musician

• Baker: $25-$50

• Florist: $50-$150

• Transportation: 15%-20% of the total cost

Pro Tips for Tipping

• Label all envelopes clearly with the vendor’s name and role (if they have assistants, you can always just write "Lead Vendor's Name, Assistant" on the envelope!)

• Assign someone (like your planner, parent, or MOH/Best Man) to hand out tips at the right time, typically about 45 minutes before the grand exit

• Check your contracts to see if gratuity is already included—especially for catering, bar service, or transportation.

• Don’t feel obligated to tip everyone. Focus on who went above and beyond or who made your day feel extra special.

Your vendors are there to support you and your partner, to help you celebrate your love story, and to send you off into marriage with joy (and maybe a confetti toss or two). Whether you show appreciation through tips, reviews, hugs, or happy tears—they’ll feel it.

Tip if you can. Thank your vendors always!