How much do I tip my wedding vendors?

Question

I have a florist, dj, and photographer. The dj is a friend of a friend and the photographer is a friend of mine. The photographer has her family coming to the wedding as well because they are also friends of ours. Both are professionals. The dj charged me $900 for the service and the photegrapher charged me $3800. Thanks ahead of time.

Answer 1

Here are the general rules for tipping. Although it is generally thought to be a voluntary thing (I'd like to know who said that), there are still areas of your wedding that require tipping, but you can still use your discretion. Firstly, you may want to find out from your vendors if tipping is allowed. There are several vendors, caterers for example, that include the wages of their staff in their price. They sometimes discourage tipping. (Bet you hope to hear that a lot!) And some vendors will add gratuities to their bills. Be sure not to double tip.

Florist - You don't need to tip the florist for making your arrangements but you can tip them an extra $5.00 per delivery location (3 locations=$15.00) or $10-20.00 per staff member in one lump sum, for set-up and delivery.

DJ - If your DJ owns the company then the tip is optional but if the DJ is an employee $50-100.00. If you have 2 DJs (DJ & MC), give each person $50.00 in separate envelopes. When your guests rave about your reception later, it's the DJ that had everything to do with the fun.

Photographer and Videographer - If these vendors own the company, then the tip is optional. If they are employees $50.00 goes to the main photographer and he/she can give a split to the assistant.

GOOD LUCK AND CONGRADULATIONS!!!

Answer 2

IMHO, the only 'tip' that's required is the minister because they generally (if it's through your church) do not charge a fee.  If you're paying an officiant and you are pleased, feel free to tip.  Although they're 'services' you are actually more hiring contractors to do a job... if you want to tip for outstanding service feel free.  I think people often expect to be rewarded for doing their jobs.  

Answer 3

Don't tip any of them... not even the limo driver!

These people get paid very hefty salaries to do their job.  You are already paying enough.  If they had wanted/needed more money... they would have charged more.

Use your money to tip some people on your honey moon.  Those people are the ones who could use the extra money.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I would give them each $100. that is sufficient for a days work plus they are already getting paid to be there, but since they are friends I'd throw them atleast $100. Congrats...Good Luck!

Answer 5

Generally if the service person owns the business then there is no need to tip.

Answer 6

Florist, DJ, photographer, should all have an up front fee.  There should be no tips involved.  This should have been made clear from the outset.

Even all the others involved should be handled with up front fees.  Tips are for waiters in restaurants...not at banquet facilities.