Wedding Bartender Tipping Guide
Bartenders work hard at weddings, especially during cocktail hour. Here's how to tip them properly.
Tip ranges last verified: January 2026
Standard Tip Range
$50-$100 per bartender if not included
Check your contract
Like catering, bartender gratuity is often included in your contract. Look for that 18% to 22% line item. If it says gratuity, you're probably covered. If it says service charge, ask where that money actually goes.
Standard tip range
If gratuity isn't included, plan on $50 to $100 per bartender. For a long reception with an open bar, go higher. They're making drinks nonstop for hours. 10% to 20% of the bar bill works too, split among the bartenders.
Open bar considerations
When guests don't tip (because it's an open bar), the bartenders rely more on your tip. Be generous. They're providing the same service they would at a regular bar, just without the per-drink tips.
When to tip
End of the reception, as they're closing down the bar. Put tips in labeled envelopes. If you had multiple bartenders, tip each one individually or give the head bartender a total to distribute.
Calculate your exact tip
Use our free calculator to figure out exactly how much to tip based on your contract amount and tipping style.
Open CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What if guests tip throughout the night?
Some guests tip even at open bars. You can still tip the bartenders at the end, but a slightly smaller amount is fine if they've been getting tips all night.
Do I tip the bar back too?
Bar backs (the people stocking and cleaning) don't usually get tipped separately. They typically get a cut of what goes to the bartenders.
Other Tipping Guides
Last updated: January 2026