Cheat Sheet: How to Tip Your Wedding Vendors

From the beginning of the wedding planning process, you have a set wedding budget but often times couples forget an important expense - tipping your vendors! Finding out the right amount to tip vendors can be intimidating and confusing. How much to tip, when to tip, etc. are things to consider in advance. Though giving your vendors a tip the day of is an option it is important to take into consideration that it’s easy to get caught up in your big day that sometimes tipping vendors slip your mind. Vowlá wants to give you some tips on how to tip your wedding vendors. 

Is a Gratitude or Tip Included in the Service Fee?

Navigating the correct amount to tip your vendors is important, however, it is also something to be aware of if it is already included. For some vendors including the tip in the fee is common. Some examples of vendors that do this include  transportation, catering, and sometimes the venue. Doing research before setting aside money for tips is important to ensure if the tip is already included. 

How to Tip Different Types of Vendors

Now that we have checked to ensure a tip (or gratuity) is or isn't included it is time to identify just how much to tip. Weddings have numerous different types of vendors including wedding planners, musicians, photo booth attendants, photographers, bartenders, makeup artists, and so much more. Each of these vendors have different factors that contribute approximately how much to tip- in this blog we will go in detail on tipping wedding planners, makeup and hair artists, and photographers. 

For beginners, wedding planners are the magic behind the scenes. Though it is not expected from most wedding planners to receive a tip it is important that you provide one, especially if you believe they went above and beyond! The approximate tip amount for wedding planners is 15-20% of their fee or another nice and thoughtful gift. 

Next, it is important to take care of your hair and makeup crew because - after all-  they are there to make you feel and look your best! The typical amount to tip for hair and makeup artists is 15-20% of their fee but, again, it is optional to tip more if you felt they went above and beyond. Another important factor is if your artists traveled far it is important to take that into consideration when tipping as well. 

Lastly, the amazing wedding photographers. Wedding photographers are such a crucial part in the production of a wedding as they allow you to enjoy your big day in real time while they capture the most amazing moments. Often times wedding photographers have their own business so tipping is more heavily decided on the couple but a nice gift is always a great option as well. 

When to Tip Your Wedding Vendors 

When to tip your wedding vendors is ultimately up to the couple. If you feel as though you want to tip the day of your wedding it is common to tip your makeup and hair artists right after they finish their work. On the other hand, you can tip your photographers at the end of the reception or after you return from your honeymoon. However, if you want to avoid forgetting to tip your vendors it is also a good idea to have the money set aside in advance and have your wedding planner or wedding party hand them out for you. 

With the help of Vowlá, you can virtually plan your wedding and get connected with amazing vendors that you will want to tip every time!  For more blogs and useful tips subscribe to Vowlá and download our app today!