I am often asked what are the guidelines for tipping wedding staff and service providers. Here are some practical guidelines.
The following are guidelines to tipping those who helped make your special day an extraordinary affair…
Caterer/Banquet Manager
15% to 20% (usually included in contract, however, if the caterer or manager has done an exceptional job, an additional $1.00 – $2.00 per guest is suggested.)
Waitstaff
15% to 20% (usually included in contract, however, if it is not included, the tip should be given to the maitre d’ or head waiter along with an additional 1% – 2%.)
Bartenders
15% to 20% (if the bartender is not accepting tips from guests, an additional 10% is suggested, but not required.)
Limousine Drivers
15% to 20%
DJ’s
15% – 20% (gratuity is not usually required, however, if you feel he/she has done an exceptional job or has provided extra or special services, a tip is a wonderful gesture.)
Bands
$25.00 per band member (gratuity is not usually required, however, if you feel he/she has done an exceptional job or has provided extra or special services, a tip is a wonderful gesture.)
Photographer and Videographers
15% (gratuity is not usually required, however, if you feel he/she has done an exceptional job or has provided extra or special services, a tip is a wonderful gesture.)
Florists
15% (gratuity is not usually required, however, if you feel he/she has done an exceptional job or has provided extra or special services, a tip is a wonderful gesture.)
Bakers
15% (gratuity is not usually required, however, if you feel he/she has done an exceptional job or has provided extra or special services, a tip is a wonderful gesture.)
Restroom and Coat Check Personnel
$0.50 – $1.00 per guest (if not accepting gratuity from guests, the host would be responsible for tipping personnel at the end of the event.)
Parking Attendants
$1.00 – $2.00 per car (if not accepting gratuity from guests, the host would be responsible for tipping parking attendants at the end of the event.)
Officiants
$75.00 – $100 .00 (Note: It is appropriate for a clergy member (priest, rabbi, minister, etc.) to accept gratuities or a donation along with their regular fee (if any), however, civil officiants (judges, clerks, etc.) receive a flat fee and are usually not allowed to accept gratuities.)
Ceremony Staff
$35.00 – $75.00 is suggested for organists/musicians. $5.00 – $25.00 is suggested for altar boys, sextons, etc. (gratuity is not usually required, however, if fees for the above are not included in the ceremony site fees, the suggestions above are appropriate.)
Wedding Planners / Coordinators
10% – 20% (gratuity is not usually required, although, for something better than usual to exceptional a 10-20% tip is not unheard
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