The Tip on Tipping

Following up on our TikTok video (and yes, we have a TikTok! Check us out @moonbeamweddings), I thought I would follow up and explain in greater detail about the tipping culture when it comes to weddings. Let me start out by saying please look through your contracts to see if gratuity has already been included. If so, you do not need to tip on top of that! Also, on your wedding day, please hand your tips, preferably pre-divided into sealed envelopes with the vendors name, to your coordinator or another responsible party to watch over. As a Bride or Groom, the last thing you want to think about is money (Where is it? How much?) on your special, celebratory day!

Here is a list of vendors who ABSOLUTELY are expecting a tip:

• H/MUA … otherwise known as your Hair and Make-Up Artist

  • Amount: 10-15% of the total cost

• Your Bartender or Bartending Service (only if they do not have a tip jar out!)

  • Amount: 10% of overall bill

• Event Staffing (this is a big one but is usually included in the contract!)

  • Amount: 15-20% of the contracted cost

• Valet (only if you are covering all of the costs)

  • Amount: $1-$2 per car

• Ceremony Musicians or Live Band

  • Amount: $15-$25 per person

Now for your other vendors, while tips aren’t required, they are always appreciate for a job well done and if you want to but can’t afford to tip everyone, a glowing 5 star review across the internet is worth more to your vendors than any tip!

• DJ

  • Amount: $50-$150

• Photographer and/or Videographer

  • Amount: $50-$200

• Florist

  • Amount: 10% of total bill upon delivery

• Officiant

  • $75-$100 OR a donation to their place of worship

• Coordinator or Planner

  • 15% of the contracted bill

  • or in my case, a little gift of sweets will do the trick! :)