You’ve calculated your tips. You have the cash. Now you need to actually get that money to 10-15 different people, at different times, throughout the most chaotic day of your life.
Enter the envelope system.
Get your supplies
You don’t need anything fancy. A pack of basic white envelopes runs about $8 for 100—way more than you need, but you’ll use the extras.
Some couples prefer something slightly nicer: decorative cash envelopes with gold or silver accents. These run $10-15 for a pack and look better when you’re handing them to vendors directly.
You’ll also want:
- A fine-tip Sharpie or pen that won’t smudge
- Small thank-you cards if you want to include a personal note
- A wallet organizer to keep all your envelopes in one place
An accordion file or envelope wallet works well if you want pockets for different vendors or distribution times. Keeps everything together and organized for whoever is distributing.
Label every envelope clearly
Front of the envelope:
- Vendor name (“Maria - Hair Stylist”)
- Amount inside (“$50 cash”)
The amount is important. Whoever distributes the envelopes needs to verify they’re giving the right amount to the right person.
Some couples add the second line on the back:
- When to distribute (“Give after ceremony”)
- Any notes (“Two envelopes for two stylists”)
Stuff the cash
Get cash from the bank at least a week before the wedding. Ask for the denominations you need—mostly $20s and some $50s or $100s for larger tips.
Double-check each envelope before sealing:
- Count the cash out loud
- Verify it matches the label
- Seal the envelope
- Cross it off your list
If you’re giving the same tip to multiple people (like $40 each to three bartenders), prepare separate envelopes for each person. Don’t make one person responsible for splitting cash.
Who holds the envelopes
Do not carry these yourself on your wedding day. You’ll be busy. Pick one of these people:
Your wedding planner or coordinator. This is literally part of their job. Give them all envelopes organized by distribution time. They’ll handle it.
Your maid of honor or best man. If you don’t have a coordinator, pick one trusted person from each side. Give the MOH the morning vendors (hair, makeup). Give the best man the evening ones (DJ, caterers).
A parent. Some couples give a parent the full envelope set. Works well if that parent is already playing a coordination role.
Just pick one or two people max. Don’t split envelopes among five different people or you’ll lose track.
When to distribute (the timeline)
Group your envelopes by timing:
Morning/Getting Ready
- Hair stylist (after services complete)
- Makeup artist (after services complete)
After Ceremony
- Officiant
- Ceremony musicians
End of Reception
- Photographer/videographer
- DJ or band
- Caterers (give to captain)
- Bartenders
- Day-of coordinator
- Florist (if still present—often delivered earlier)
Other
- Transportation drivers (end of each ride)
- Valet (depends on your arrangement)
- Any delivery personnel (at delivery time)
Write this timeline on an index card and give it to whoever is distributing.
A backup plan
What if a vendor leaves early? What if the person holding envelopes can’t find someone?
Backup option 1: Mail it later. Get the vendor’s mailing address, send a card with a check. Not ideal but works.
Backup option 2: Venmo/PayPal after the fact. Some vendors are fine with digital tips.
Backup option 3: Bring the envelope list to your follow-up meeting with your coordinator. They can help track down anyone who was missed.
Don’t stress if one tip doesn’t make it to someone on the day. You can always follow up.
The night-before checklist
The night before your wedding:
- All envelopes stuffed and sealed
- All envelopes labeled with name + amount
- Envelopes organized by timing (morning, post-ceremony, reception)
- Timeline card written out
- Everything handed to your designated distributor
- Distributor knows where to find each vendor
Once the envelopes leave your hands, you’re done. Let someone else handle it.
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Haven’t calculated your tip amounts yet? Our free calculator figures out exactly what to tip each vendor and tells you what cash to request from the bank.