Mad Talks: Tipping Your Vendors
Let me start by saying, I realize this post will be very controversial. I have been asked first hand whether tipping wedding vendors is, “normal,” so while no one in this industry should ever expect it, it is always important to remain transparent with you and give you insight! This truly was a tough topic to discuss, but for the right reasons!
Should you tip your vendors? Why would you tip your vendors? How would you tip your vendors?
While it is not mandatory, it is a customary way to show your appreciation for the services they rendered. How can you determine an appropriate amount to tip them? Plus, are there variables to assume that they should/should not be tipped?
This is not a topic that is a “one-size-fits all.” And trust me, by no means are your vendors expecting a tip, if they are - that’s a red flag sis.
Points to consider:
Quality of Service - did they go above and beyond? Did their services exceed your expectations?
Package Pricing - Consider your overall investment with your vendors. Based upon a photographer’s packaging/pricing, what do they require upfront? Maybe if they require over 50% as their retainer, then there is not a need for a tip since they are gaining most of their investment at that initial stage.
Budget Consideration - Evaluate your wedding budget and what you can afford! It’s important to think of tipping as an additional expense if you are tipping your vendors.
Industry Standards - While there is no set idea behind this, it is important to note what an appropriate tip would be in your area. Couples will tip anywhere from 10-20% when they decide what to tip. However, even opting for a smaller tip - is always grateful. Remember, your vendors never expect a tip but it is always appreciated.
Personalized Approach - what is the relationship like with your vendor? Were you able to connect on a personal level? Did you feel valued and important and that they constructed their time on your wedding day efficiently? If you felt like they went that extra mile to make you feel comfortable and captured your memories beautifully, you may want to show your appreciation through a tip.
Thoughtful Gestures - TIPPING YOUR VENDORS DOES NOT HAVE TO MEAN CASH! It could be a personalized gift or a heart-felt thank you note that can be equally meaningful.
Let me say this again… TIPPING YOUR WEDDING VENDORS DOES NOT HAVE TO MEAN CASH!
Tipping varies for each vendor.
Wedding Planner: Your wedding planner works day in and day out trying to bring your vision to life. There are so many elements to create your dream day. A gesture of gratitude is totally appropriate in this case. A tip of 10-20% of their fee or a flat amount would be a reasonable expression.
Catering/Waitstaff: Make sure to check your contract with them! Most venues include gratuity in the total cost. If it is not included, consider tipping your servers and bartenders 15-20% of the total food and beverage. If the gratuity is included, a small gift or handwritten note is thoughtful.
Hair and Makeup Artists: These talented individuals are responsible for making you look and feel your best on your big day. It is relatively-normal to tip them 15-20% of their fee.
Ceremony Officiant: Your officiant plays such an important role in uniting your marriage. In some cases, there may be a fee, but in the events this is a family member or friend, a gift or donation of their choice would be fine as well.
Musicians/DJ’s: These guys are the people you turn to, to set the mood and to keep your guests entertained! Keeping your tip between 10-15% is a reasonable amount for all parties.
Florists: Your florist is putting their time, creative train, and ability into your decor. They are a vital role to pulling everything together. While it isn’t necessarily customary to tip florists, you can also consider a 10-15% tip or a generous review + photos to help increase the traffic to their business.
Photographer: A skilled photographer captures your day so you can relive it forever and ever. While it is more common to tip these vendors, know that this is just a suggestion. Take under account their expertise, creativity, and dedication to you and your party. Typically a tip of 10% of their total photography fee is suggested. A thoughtful gift and/or a review on their website + social media pages are also a huge way to thank your vendors!
Videographer: A skilled videographer documents your wedding day through the emotions, laughter and tears in a cinematic view. They are similar to photographers in a way that tipping them for their services is common. A tip of 10% is appropriate. Also - a review on their page and sharing their work can show your gratitude.
VENDORS NEVER EXPECT TIPS, HOWEVER ANY TYPE OF GRATITUDE GOES A LONG WAY.
While I want to sit here and tell you that there is a black or white answer - I can’t. Tipping your wedding vendors is a personal choice! It is an excellent way to acknowledge their dedication and hard work, however, it is NEVER expected. I’m typing this for you to read and I can only think about putting myself in your shoes. As a bride-to-be working with her wedding vendors - these are people whom I love, I love their work, their business, their class - there was a reason I hired them.
With that talent, comes their price of value - so for me to say, “They make their own prices, I shouldn't tip them.” To me, that’s borderline selfish. I know the people that I am looking to hire are not sticking around for that 10% tip. Tipping in the wedding industry sounds silly, right? But this industry is tough and there is a reason people charge what they do! A way that I would tip my wedding vendors is to tag them in all my posts with their work, to leave reviews on their sites and socials, and to give them some type of gratitude. My way of showing my appreciation is through gift giving - so if I had a vendor go wayyyy above and beyond what I was expecting - I would think of getting a thoughtful gift for them to take home with them on my wedding day. A simple thank you card can go a long way!
As a wedding vendor, my biggest advice to you is if you are considering to tip your vendors (whether that be monetary or through a gift), is to always leave a review on their sites! Google and Facebook are huge advocates for small businesses and your review is sooooo appreciated!!
If you would like to submit a topic/question - please email: madiegphotography@gmail.com with the subject title: “Anonymous Topic/Question” with a brief description of your thoughts.
