Wedding Gratuity Etiquette
Planning a wedding comes with many decisions, and gratuity is a commonly confusing and often stressful topic. This guide is meant to offer you some clarity and to help you understand what is typical, what is optional, and how to approach gratuity in a way that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and aligned with your priorities and budget.
GRATUITY IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED, BUT IS RARELY REQUIRED
THREE GOLDEN RULES
CHECK YOUR CONTRACTS
Some vendors (especially catering, staffing companies, and venues) include gratuity or service charges in their contracts and invoices. Always review what is already covered before adding anything additional.
TIP FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
Gratuity is best reserved for vendors who went above and beyond, not just those who fulfilled expectations.
STAY WITHIN YOUR COMFORT ZONE
There is no requirement to tip across every category. Your budget and experience should guide your decisions.
Who Typically Receives Gratuity
COMMONLY TIPPED
FOOD SERVERS
The total gratuity for service staff is typically around 20% of the total food costs.
Approximately $50-$75 per staff member.
BARTENDERS
The total gratuity for bartenders is typically around 20% of the total beverage costs.
Approximately $50-$100 per bartender.
GENERAL SERVICE STAFF
Gratuity for general service staff varies and may depend on the service they are providing and the time they are contributing to the wedding day.
Approximately $20-$75 per staff member.
HAIR & MAKE-UP TEAM
Approximately $20 per service.
TRANSPORTATION TEAM
Approximately $25 per driver.
HOUSEKEEPING FOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Approximately $10-$20 per night stay.
SOMETIMES TIPPED
KITCHEN TEAM
Approximately $25-$50 per person.
DJ, BAND, MUSICIANS
Approximately $100-$200 for a DJ, and $50 per band member or musician.
ENTERTAINMENT / PHOTOBOOTH VENDORS
Approximately $50 per person.
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
Approximately $100-$300 for a lead, and $50-$100 for associates.
PLANNER & COORDINATOR
Approximately $100-$300 for a lead, and $50-$100 for associates.
FLORIST
Approximately $50 per floral team member. Most florists do not provide service during the wedding itself; if they are staying through the whole event to transfer arrangements or provide additional service, this amount may vary.
RARELY TIPPED
CAKE & DESSERT VENDORS
RENTAL & DECOR VENDORS
VENUE COORDINATORS
BUSINESS OWNERS
SIGNAGE VENDORS
OFFICIANTS
CHILDCARE
How to Distribute Gratuity
Plan ahead.
Prepare labelled envelopes.
Consider including a thank-you note.
Assign a trusted person to distribute envelopes, such as your coordinator, a parent, or a member of your wedding party.
When is it ok not to tip?
You are rarely required to tip.
It is completely acceptable to skip a gratuity if;
It is not in your budget.
Service did not meet expectations.
Gratuity is already included in your contract.
MEANINGFUL ALTERNATIVES / NON-MONETARY APPRECIATION
Reviews
Reviews are highly appreciated in the wedding industry. This is a great way to show your appreciation to vendors who you feel contributed exceptionally.
Thank you cards
You can give your vendor team a personal thank-you card on the wedding day or send it to them after the wedding.
A Personalized Gift
Giving a gift to your vendor team is a great way to show your appreciation.