Wedding Infatuated

If you were not already aware, it is customary to tip the vendors at your wedding. However, when you start to realize what this entails you may start to fret the added and unexpected cost. There are also concerns about who exactly to tip and in which way. When you think of a tip as a gift for a job well done it’s really the last thing you want to worry about. Just follow these simple suggestions and all tipping concerns should be alleviated.

The best way to handle wedding vendor tips is to assign someone the job of handing them out. Depending on the situation this can be the host (often one of your parents) or even a wedding planner/consultant if you have hired one. Give this designated tipper envelopes with the name of each vendor you wish to tip. You can either allow the tipper to fill the envelope at their will or you can start out by filling each envelope with the maximum amount you’re willing to give and allow the tipper to remove what they feel is fair. Just make sure you assign this job to someone you trust wholeheartedly. This is not the job for your shady cousin.  

Always remember this: tips are not mandatory. If your caterer prepares the most wonderful meal you have ever had than certainly tip them, if they burn the pasta and give everyone food poisoning… well… we can just skip that tip. Tipping a vendor is just like tipping your waiter at a restaurant, you tip according to performance.

Other things to look out for is tipping policies. Some facilities and companies may not allow tips for tax reasons. You will also want to examine your bills and contracts before handing out tips. It is not uncommon for a gratuity fee to be written into the initial contract. You do not want to tip twice for a single service.

Listed are the typical amounts you should tip your vendors:

       Bartenders - 10% of the total liquor tab

       Maitre d’ - 15% - 20% of the entire reception bill

       Waitstaff - At least $20 each (maitre d’ will distribute tips)

       Banquet Manager - 15% - 20% of the entire reception bill (less if there is a maitre d’)

       Coat and Powder room attendants - $.50 - $1 per guest

       Delivery (florist, baker, etc.) - At least $5 - $10

       Limo/Car Driver - 15% - 20% of the bill

       Parking Attendants - $.50 - $1 per guest

       DJ or Musicians - $20 - $25 each

       Officiant - A gift or donation if they perform their services for free

     Wedding Consultant - A gift

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