Which Wedding Vendors Should You Tip?

A simple guide for couples creating their wedding budget.

One of the most common questions couples ask while building their wedding budget is: “Who exactly are we supposed to tip?”

Especially when your venue is all-inclusive and already includes catering, bar service, coordination, linens, charger plates, the dance floor, and more, it can feel confusing to know what is already covered and what is considered an extra thank-you.

First: Check Your Contracts Carefully

Before setting aside money for tips, look through your vendor contracts. Many all-inclusive venues may already include catering gratuity, service fees, bartender gratuity, or staffing fees.

A “service fee” does not always mean the staff receives tips directly, so it is completely okay to ask your venue:

• Is gratuity already included?
• Does this fee go directly to the staff?
• Are additional tips expected?

Vendors Couples Commonly Tip

Catering Staff & Servers

This is one of the most commonly tipped groups at weddings. If gratuity is not already included, couples often tip a flat amount to the catering manager or provide a smaller amount per server.

Bartenders

Bartenders are commonly tipped, especially if they are managing a large guest count, creating specialty cocktails, or working a long event. Some couples leave a tip jar, provide one lump sum, or include bartender gratuity in advance.

Hair & Makeup Artists

Hair and makeup artists are commonly tipped, especially when they are traveling onsite, starting early in the morning, or servicing a full bridal party.

Hair and makeup artists often spend hours helping couples feel confident, relaxed, and photo-ready for the day ahead.

DJs & Entertainment

DJs and entertainers are often tipped when they help keep the reception flowing, manage announcements, adjust to the crowd, and go above and beyond throughout the evening.

Vendors Couples Often Wonder About

Photographers & Videographers

Photographers and videographers are not always expected to be tipped, especially if they own their own business. However, many couples choose to tip if they went above and beyond, stayed longer than expected, or helped keep the day calm and organized.

Wedding Coordinators & Planners

Wedding coordinators and planners do not usually expect tips, but they are always appreciated. Couples may choose to tip if their coordinator handled stressful situations, managed difficult logistics, provided extra support, or went beyond the original scope of services.

Your wedding vendors help create the moments you’ll remember forever — from the quiet moments together to the celebration shared with everyone you love.

Florists

Florists are usually not considered a required tipping vendor, especially if they own the business. Couples sometimes tip delivery teams, setup crews, or floral teams handling large installations.

Bakers & Cake Artists

Most couples do not tip bakers unless delivery, setup, or extra service is involved. A thoughtful review or referral can also be a meaningful thank-you.

Hotel Staff

Hotel tipping depends on the situation. Couples may tip bellhops, valet attendants, shuttle drivers, or concierge staff helping guests. Front desk staff are not typically tipped unless they go significantly above and beyond.

The Truth About Wedding Tipping

The wedding industry understands that weddings are expensive. No professional vendor wants couples feeling guilty or financially stressed over tipping.

The best approach is to prioritize excellent service, read contracts carefully, budget what feels comfortable, and remember that kindness, communication, and reviews matter too.