A vendor-by-vendor tipping chart so you know exactly who to tip, how much, and who is optional.
Budget roughly 10 to 15 percent of your total wedding budget for tips. Tipping is customary for catering and banquet staff, bartenders, hair and makeup artists, drivers, and delivery and setup crews. It is appreciated but optional for vendors who own their own business, such as a solo photographer, planner, or florist. Always check your contracts first, since many caterers and transportation companies build in an 18 to 22 percent gratuity automatically.
Use the chart below as your tipping cheat sheet. Amounts reflect widely recognized U.S. etiquette guidance (consistent with sources such as The Knot and the Emily Post Institute). The "Expected?" column tells you whether a tip is customary or simply a kind gesture for great service.
| Vendor | Standard Tip | Typical Amount | Expected? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catering / Banquet Staff | 15–20% | Often a built-in 18–22% service charge | Yes (check contract first) |
| Bartenders | 10–15% | $20–$50 each, or % of bar bill | Yes (if not included) |
| Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist | 15–25% | % of each service fee | Yes |
| Delivery & Setup Crew | 10–15% | $10–$20 per person | Yes |
| Transportation / Drivers | 15–20% | $25–$50 per driver | Yes (check contract first) |
| Photographer | 10–15% | $50–$200 per person | Optional (expected if employee) |
| Videographer | 10–15% | $50–$200 per person | Optional (expected if employee) |
| DJ | 10–15% | $50–$150 | Optional (expected if employee) |
| Band Musicians | Flat | $25–$50 per musician | Optional |
| Florist | 10–15% | For delivery/setup staff only | Optional |
| Wedding Planner / Coordinator | 10–20% | Or $500–$1,000; day-of coordinator $100–$500 | Optional (gesture if owner) |
| Officiant | Flat / Donation | $50–$200 donation (religious); $50–$100 gift (secular) | Customary donation |
| Ceremony Musicians | Flat | $15–$50 per musician | Optional |
If your budget is tight, prioritize the people who are working hourly and do not set their own prices: servers, bartenders, drivers, and setup crews. These vendors most expect and rely on tips. Business owners (a solo photographer, an independent planner, a florist who owns the shop) do not expect a cash tip because their pricing already reflects their value. For owners, a generous online review, referrals to engaged friends, or a thoughtful gift often means just as much.
Before you set aside a single envelope, read every vendor contract for the words service charge, gratuity, or administrative fee. Many caterers include an 18 to 22 percent gratuity, and many transportation companies build gratuity into the quote. A service charge does not always go to the staff as a tip, and an administrative fee may simply cover overhead, so ask your coordinator to confirm what is and is not already covered. This prevents double-tipping and helps you budget accurately.
Prepare cash tips in labeled envelopes before the wedding day. Hand each tip out at the end of that vendor's service, which for most is the end of the night. To keep yourself off cash duty during the celebration, delegate distribution to a trusted person such as the best man, a parent, or your day-of coordinator. Cash is the standard and is always appreciated.
See where tips fit into your full wedding budget, then estimate your exact gratuities.
Try the Wedding Tip Calculator