Tipping is always a challenging issue to understand when trying to plan for it in your wedding budget, but we have some good “rules of thumb” to go by when trying to approach the task knowledgeably. Although not required (nor expected), a small gratuity for a job well done is a gracious way of showing your appreciation to those who made your wedding run more smoothly.
$75 – $100 ‘donations’ are appropriate.
Mayors, judges or other public servants may not be able to accept gratuities.
(soloist, organist, church staff, etc.)
$20 to $30 per person, depending on amount of service
(decorators, floral, cake, etc.)
$10 each if just dropping items off, $20 each if dropping off and setting up to great extent.
15% – 20% on top of contracted fee paid to driver.
$20 to $40 each, depending upon quality of service.
15% – 20% of entire bill for the bar.
15% to 20% of entire bill for the reception.
15% to 20% of the bill should be given to the bandleader or DJ, more if they exceeded expectations.
$1 – $2 per car if they are not taking tips from guests.
Important: Be sure to inquire if products or services you have already contracted for include a gratuity or service charge built into your price.