Wedding Vendor Tip Calculator

For photographers, $50-200 per shooter is typical, or around 5-15% if you prefer going by percentage (The Knot). Owner-operators don't expect tips, but most appreciate them. Slip it in a card at the end of the night or add it to your final payment.

It's optional, but more common than you'd think. Hair and makeup artists still expect 15-25% even if they own the salon. That's just how the beauty industry works. For photographers, DJs, and florists who own their business? Appreciated but not expected. A thank-you card with a small tip never hurts.

Big difference. Gratuity goes directly to the staff. Service charges legally belong to the company and might never reach the workers (Brides). Ask your vendor straight up: "Does the gratuity go to the staff?" If your contract says service charge instead of gratuity, you'll probably want to tip the individual workers separately.

It depends on the vendor. Hair and makeup get tipped right after they finish, morning of. Officiant and ceremony musicians, after the ceremony. Everyone else, end of reception. For delivery folks like florists, tip when they drop off. Prepare labeled envelopes ahead of time and give them to your planner, a parent, or your best man to hand out.

Most couples spend $1,500-2,500 total for 10-15 vendors. Your number will depend on your vendor costs and how generous you want to be. Use the calculator above to get your exact total. Hit up your bank a week early to request the specific bills you need.

Most couples do. Typical range is 15-20% of their fee, or $100-500 flat (Zola). Did they handle a crisis? Work way more hours than expected? Make your day actually enjoyable? Tip on the higher end. Give it at your final meeting or the end of the wedding with a thank-you note.

Usually yes, though it's more optional if they own the business. $50-150 is standard, or 10-15% of their fee. Great DJs who kept the dance floor packed and nailed all the announcements deserve the higher end. Hand it over at the end of the night.

Same as a salon visit: 15-25% of the service cost (The Knot). $200 for hair? Tip $30-50. $150 for makeup? Tip around $25-35. Tip each stylist individually, not one lump sum to the lead. Hand it over right after they finish, before your day gets crazy.

Tipping is ultimately discretionary. If service fell significantly below expectations, you can reduce or skip the tip. For minor issues, consider tipping on the lower end of the suggested range. For serious problems, address concerns with the vendor directly. Document issues if you need to dispute charges or leave reviews.

Cash is still preferred by most vendors since they receive the full amount immediately. However, many vendors now accept Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. Ask your vendor their preference beforehand. If tipping by card through their payment system, the vendor may not receive the full amount due to processing fees.