Must I Tip My Personal Wedding Professionals?

By Author: Ned Shaffer
Total Articles: 332
Comment this article

When it comes to coordinating the wedding, there are so many hardworking experts involved from the caterers, band to the beauticians to the entertainers and officiates, etc. that it’s sometimes hard to know exactly whom in order to tip and who to simply pay the original agreed upon fee. If you will be struggling with this really dilemma, here is a quick reference guide to help you:

Hair and Make-up:
15%-20% - Exactly as much as you would normally suggestion your hair stylist, make-up artist, nail technician, etc.

Catering:
Kitchen Staff, Wait Staff, Bartender and Catering Manager - 15%-20%. Generally all of these professionals tend to be figured into the final catering bill in advance at the percentage prices listed above. However, if any of them are not, make sure to set aside roughly $25-$30 for each bartender and person in the kitchen and wait around staff. Double that amount for that head chef or baker if there is 1 and pay a set $150-$200 tip to the providing manager if their tip is not already figured into the final bill.

Entertainment:
Live Band - $20-$25 for each ...
... band member. Do not really tip more to some single member, like a lead singer, because arrangements like this are often made by the band people themselves beforehand and also you do not want to risk making friction within the band.
DJ - 10%-15% or even $50-$150 depending on quality of entertainment.

Officiates:
Ministers, Priests along with Rabbis - In lieu of a tip, it is recommended that you donate anywhere from $100 to $500 to their church or house of worship.
Rights of the Peace or other officiate not associated with a religion - no tip required, but an invitation to dine along with drink alongside your friends and relatives is recommended.

Valet:
$2 per automobile

Coat Check along with Restroom Staff:
$2 for each guest

Keep in mind that it is not necessary to tip your own florist, seamstress/tailor, limo drivers, photographers, videographers or general venue and leasing staff as they usually have flat fees that factor in their time and cost of equipment and materials. Stick to the recommendations over and you’re sure to make sure you all of your wedding experts!

top disc jockeys
great party ideas