How Much to Tip Your Wedding Vendors in 2025

There’s a key component of your wedding budget that’s easy to forget: the tips you may want to give to your vendors to thank them for their service. From your florist and photographer to your band and on-site coordinator, there are so many different professionals who help bring your creative vision to life. “Tipping isn’t a requirement, but it is one of the kindest ways to say, ‘You nailed it,'” says Eli Mansur, the senior event producer at Kate & Co. “It’s a gesture of appreciation for the people who brought their A-game and helped bring your celebration to life with heart, hustle, and professionalism.” She adds that while some vendors, such as your caterer, makeup artist, and driver, come with more set expectations of how much to tip and when, other creatives, such as your planner or photographer, are a bit more discretionary.

Since tipping isn’t standardized or even required, take time to think about how much you want to give to each of your vendors, reflecting on the role they’ve played in the planning process. “Take into consideration a couple of factors: time invested and working together, quality of service, cost of service, and number of team members you actively worked with,” says Robyn Swink, a wedding planner.

While some tips are given the day of the wedding, know that others may have already been included within your vendors’ fees. “Review each contract and see if your agreement with your caterer or other vendors includes a prepaid gratuity,” says Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert. “This will avoid you accidentally tipping twice. A service fee is different than gratuity, so it’s important not to get them confused.”

Below, we break down how much to tip each wedding vendor, as well as when to give it to them. Read on for everything you need to know, according to industry experts.

When Should You Tip Your Wedding Vendors?

Just like the amounts you’ll give to your wedding vendors, the time at which you’ll hand them their gratuity will vary. As a result, preparation is key. “We recommend preparing labeled envelopes ahead of time, as it’s one less thing to think about on the big day,” Mansur says. “Then, delegate distribution to someone you trust, such as your planner, a parent, or the best man or maid of honor.” Below, she offers a rough outline of when to tip each of your vendors:

• At the time of service: Beauty teams, chauffeurs, musicians, bartenders, and delivery teams
• At the end of the event: Photographers, videographers, DJ, on-site coordinator, venue staff
• Post-wedding (or by mail): Wedding planner, florist, or anyone with deliverables extending beyond the day-of

How Much to Tip Your Officiant

If you’re hiring a professional officiant to conduct your ceremony, consider giving them a tip of around $350, Mansur says. However, where the money will be directed will vary depending on the type of person you tap for the position. For example, if you’re using a religious leader as your officiant, you likely will not be able to tip them directly, but you can make a donation to their house of worship. Additionally, if a civil officiant conducted your ceremony at a courthouse, know that the law prohibits gratuity, adds Diana Gottsman, an etiquette expert.

How Much to Tip Wedding Photographers and Videographers

While it’s not required to tip your wedding photographers and videographers, such a gesture is always appreciated. “We don’t expect to be tipped on wedding days,” says Jenny Quicksall, a wedding photographer. “When our clients are inclined to tip (about 50 percent of the time), they tip us between five to ten percent. This includes the dollars tipped out to the rest of my team.” Mansur echoes a similar sentiment: She recommends tipping between five and seven percent for lead shooters and three to five percent for any second shooters or assistants.

How Much to Tip Your Wedding Caterer and Waitstaff

“Most contracts include a 24 to 26 percent service charge, but it’s important to note: That is not the gratuity,” Mansur says. “Before tipping, understand how your venue operates. In many cases, staff are paid a full wage, so tips aren’t their main income. Still, a little extra goes a long way for standout service— think $100 per server.”

How Much to Tip Your Wedding Bartender

Bartending services are often included as part of your caterer’s package, and gratuity is typically already listed on the bill. However, if it isn’t—or if you want to go above and beyond—Mansur recommends giving each of your bartenders $150. “This tip is in lieu of any tip jars, which we never recommend,” she adds.

How Much to Tip Your Hair and Makeup Artists

Just like at the salon, tip 18 to 22 percent of the service, Mansur says. You may provide this tip yourself if you’re paying for all of your bridesmaids’ services, or include a tip in the total that they each owe, so they can make sure to have enough cash on hand.

How Much to Tip Your Wedding Musicians or DJ

Plan to tip your ceremony musicians, as well as your reception band or DJ. Mansur recommends tipping $75 per musician. If you have a DJ, you should tip them between five and 10 percent of their overall fee. The same rule can be applied to other entertainment professionals you may hire.

How Much to Tip Your Wedding Chauffeur or Driver

Many transportation companies include gratuity on their invoices. If it’s not covered within your contract, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is a good range to aim for, says Gottsman. For a chauffeur, Mansur recommends giving $30 for every hour you booked them for.

How Much to Tip Delivery Staff at Your Wedding

For staff delivering flowers, chairs, cake, and other necessities, Mansur recommends tipping $25 to $50 per person. You may opt to do more or less, depending on the service they provide.

How Much to Tip the Venue Staff at Your Wedding

“Ask ahead how the banquet manager, chef, servers, staff, parking attendants, bathroom attendants, and coat-check workers, will be compensated,” Gottsman says. “The venue may include it in their contract. Otherwise, you can tip 15 to 20 percent divided among the individuals who are working. Be sure workers are instructed not to accept tips from guests.”

How Much to Tip Your Wedding Florist

Unsure of how much to give to your florist? Follow these words of wisdom from Mansur: “Tipping isn’t expected, but $500 to $1000 is a generous thank-you for exceptional service, custom work, and/or major installations and onsite support.”

How Much to Tip Your Wedding Planner

You’ve likely spent many months working with your planner, and, as a result, you may want to express your gratitude for their assistance. “Tipping isn’t expected or required, but $500 to $1000 is a very kind gesture for a planner who goes above and beyond,” Mansur says. “You can also consider a thoughtful, beautiful gift or a heartfelt note post-wedding, which means more than you know.” If your planner brought an assistant who did great work, consider giving them a tip between $50 and $150.

How Much to Tip Your On-Site Coordinator

If you have been working with an on-site coordinator, you also should provide them with a tip for all their hard work. Aim for $100 to $200 for a coordinator—or $25 to $50 for any assistant coordinators.