A day-of coordinator has a weird job. They come into your wedding late in the planning process, spend a few weeks learning everything about it, then run the whole show on one of the most high-pressure days of the year.
It’s a lot.
What to tip
$200 to $500, or 15-20% of their fee.
For a coordinator charging $1,500, that’s $225-300 at 15-20%. If they did exceptional work, push toward the higher end.
Day-of coordinators vs wedding planners
People confuse these roles all the time. Here’s the difference:
Wedding planners work with you for months (sometimes over a year). They help choose vendors, manage contracts, build timelines from scratch, and handle the big-picture strategy.
Day-of coordinators step in 4-8 weeks before the wedding. They take the planning you’ve already done and execute it. They run rehearsal, manage the timeline on wedding day, and put out fires in real time.
The coordinator’s job is shorter but concentrated. They might only work with you for 30 days, but those 30 days include the most intense one.
Why they often deserve good tips
Day-of coordinators are frequently underpaid for what they actually handle. They’re priced lower than full planners because the scope looks smaller on paper. But on the wedding day itself, they’re doing the same work.
They’re also absorbing stress you don’t see. Vendor running late? Coordinator handles it. Bridesmaid having a meltdown? Coordinator. Uncle trying to rearrange the seating chart? Coordinator.
You get to enjoy your wedding because someone else is solving problems.
When to tip
End of the wedding day is standard. Find your coordinator in the last hour of the reception, hand over the envelope, and thank them.
If you’re too caught up in the moment (understandable), have your maid of honor or a parent handle tip distribution. Give them all the envelopes beforehand.
Some coordinators do a brief follow-up after the wedding. If yours does, you can give the tip then instead.
Example breakdown
Your coordinator charged $1,200 for day-of services. They handled a 2-hour rehearsal the night before and a 14-hour wedding day. The day ran smoothly, the timeline stayed on track, and you didn’t have to solve a single problem.
A solid tip: 20% = $240.
If they went beyond expectations—calmed down a stressed family member, stayed late because the reception ran over, coordinated something that wasn’t in their contract—consider $300-350.
If they also had assistants
Some coordinators bring assistants on wedding day. If there was a second person helping run things, consider tipping them separately: $50-100 for an assistant who actively contributed.
Ask your coordinator who worked the event if you’re not sure. The main coordinator handles distribution if you prefer to give one envelope.
A note on tipping owners
Many day-of coordinators are solo operators who own their business. Same as planners: the old “don’t tip owners” rule has faded. If they did great work, tip them.
Calculating tips for your coordinator and other vendors? Our free calculator handles day-of coordinators, planners, and 16 other categories.