Tips on Tipping
We are pleased to welcome our new Marriage.com guest blogger, Ashley Fauset from Coco Rose Events! Today, read Ashley’s tips on tipping. And, stay tuned for more expertise from this fantastic LA wedding planner and event coordinator!
We know paying for a wedding can be overwhelming. It seems all you do leading up to the big day is write check after check. Surely the last thing you want to to is dole out more cash, but tipping your vendors is extremely important. They work your event from start to finish, running your event like a stage production, ensuring your day goes off without a hitch. Weddings are high-stress events not just for the happy couple, but for all vendors and workers involved. There’s a great deal of pressure for perfection, and surely your expectations of them are sky-high. However, the questions regarding vendor tipping can be confusing, so here’s a little cheat sheet to help you determine who to tip and how much they deserve.
Firstly, all tips should paid in cash and placed in individual envelopes with each vendor’s name on the front. Divvy out the gratuities several days prior to the wedding so you’ll be prepared when the big day arrives. Give the envelopes to your wedding coordinator or catering manager at your rehearsal the day before the wedding to dole out to vendors, or ask the best man to deliver gratuities at the end of the evening, (provided he’s trustworthy and won’t be too partied-out to remember…).
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: 15-20% of service cost
Just as you would tip your stylist at a regular appointment, they should be tipped on your wedding day. Generally, 15-20% of the service cost is expected if you’re getting dolled up at the salon. If the stylist comes to your hotel or home, you may consider tipping less– maybe 10-15%. Why? The salon makes the money for the services, then pays the stylist. If the stylist owns the company, or is freelance, she’s getting well paid already.
Wedding Officiant: Varies
If you’re getting married in a church or synagogue, a donation may be expected, which can vary depending on your denomination. It’s a good idea to ask someone who’s been married at the same venue what the average donation amount may be. If you’ve hired a non-denominational officiant, a tip is not required, as you are paying them directly for their service. A personal thank you note will suffice in this instance.
Wedding Planner: 10-15% of coordination bill
This person is responsible for your entire wedding day. She’s scheduled each moment of your day, haggled with your vendors, done extensive research, and provided great advice to you all with a smile on her face. She’s kept you happy; now it’s time to return the favor.
Wedding Coordinator: $50-100
If your planner brings an assistant or sends an employee to handle things on the day of your wedding, it’s important to show your appreciation. She’s likely been on her feet all day, coordinating the deliveries, directing the florist, and setting up your favors, placecards, and menus.
Catering Manager: $100-200
The catering manager is the one who’s negotiated your menu and bar costs, food service, and reception site. In some cases, they even coordinate your wedding rehearsal and ceremony, or set up the entire reception with you menus, favors and décor. Be sure to show your thanks for all her time and effort.
Catering Wait Staff: 15-20% of food bill
Generally, the hotel or catering company will include gratuity on the bill, in which case it’s unnecessary to give an additional tip. If it has not been included, be sure to tip 15-20% of the total food bill to be split between all servers.
Banquet Manager 15-20% of catering bill
The banquet manager is responsible for directing the flow of food service. They oversee all food servers and bartenders, are the liason between the kitchen and dining room, and make sure the event is running smoothly from the catering perspective.
Bartender: 10% of liquor bill
Again, be sure to consult your contract to determine if gratuity has been included for bar service. Even if it is included, it’s a nice gesture to tip the bartender a bit more. He, along with the DJ, is responsible for keeping the flow and energy of the party going, sometimes working the hardest throughout the evening, so be sure to show your thanks.
Photographer/Videographer: Varies
Typically, these vendors are in business for themselves, which makes an additional tipping unnecessary. For those who work for another company, a tip between $30 and $50 is a nice gesture.
Florist and Cake Bakery: Unnecessary
These vendors generally do not expect to be tipped for their services. They are paid out of the contract price of your event. Do, however, consider tipping the floral and cake delivery drivers. $5 per delivery is just fine.
DJ and Musicians: $20-25 each
If the DJ and/or musicians are independent contractors not working for a larger company, tipping can be left to your discretion. However, do consider the importance of music at your wedding: Music sets the mood for your ceremony, creating an initmate environment. It paints the scene for dinner. It’s responsible for keeping your reception alive. So be sure to show your thanks to your musicians. $25-$50 per person would be greatly appreciated.
Reception Site Staff: Varied Amounts
Don’t forget the little people behind the scenes. Valet parking attendants: $1 for each guest. Coat checkers: $1 for each guest. Restroom attendants: .50-$1 for each guest.
Be sure to tell your catering manager to instruct these workers to refuse tips from guests, letting them know they’ll be tipped by you.
Limo Driver: 15-20% of bill
Be sure to check the contract for your driver beforehand, as many times, gratuity is written in to the agreement. If not, a tip of 15-20% is typically expected.
For further questions on tipping, wedding etiquette or event-related questions, feel free to leave a comment or email info@cocoroseevents.com!
Ashley Fauset is one of two owners of Coco Rose Events, a full service wedding planning, special event coordination and party consulting company. From restaurant and catering management to large-scale concert productions, Ashley has overseen events on every level. She’s directed weddings, bridal and baby showers, anniversary celebrations, corporate holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, and birthday brunches. Her industry event experience includes managing artist catering for the Coachella Valley Music Festival and Long Beach Jazz Festival, as well as productions at Staples Center, The Shrine Auditorium, El Rey Theater, The Henry Fonda Theater, and The Hollywood Bowl. Ashley’s international event experience includes her most grand event to date: Her own wedding on the French Riviera.