How Much to Tip Wedding vendors?
Updated 2026-05-23 · 2026 U.S. tipping standard
Tip wedding vendors as follows: catering and bartending staff $5–$10 per person (or 15–20% if not in the contract), DJ or band $50–$100 each, photographer / videographer $50–$150 each, hair and makeup 20% of the service, officiant $50–$100 (donation if from a house of worship). Always check your contracts — many planners and venues include a 18–22% service charge that already covers gratuity.
Tip calculator
U.S. norm is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal.
Advanced — tip on pre-tax amount
- Tip
- $0.00
- Bill (tipped on)
- $0.00
- Each person
- $0.00
- Each tip share
- $0.00
Enter a bill amount above to calculate.
What's normal for wedding vendors?
- Catering / bartending staff: $5–$10 per server, or check for a 18–22% service charge already on the bill.
- DJ / band: $50–$100 per musician.
- Photographer / videographer: $50–$150 each (only if not an owner-operator who set the price).
- Hair & makeup artists: 20% of the service price each.
- Wedding planner: $50–$200, or 10–20% of their fee, only if not built into the contract.
- Officiant: $50–$100; a donation to their house of worship if applicable.
- Limo / shuttle driver: 15–20% of the bill, or $20–$50 in cash per driver.
When to tip more
- Vendor went well beyond the contracted scope (extra hours, last-minute changes).
- Vendor stayed late, traveled far, or handled difficult weather.
- Crew of helpers behind a single "vendor" name (assistants, second shooters).
When a smaller tip is reasonable
- Vendor is also the owner who set their own price and tip is not customary in their business (some photographers, planners).
- Service charge already covers gratuity (check your contract carefully).
Worked example
On a $200 wedding vendors bill at the standard 20%, the calculator above shows the exact tip and total — adjust the bill or percent to match your own situation, and split it among multiple people using the stepper.
Wedding vendors tipping FAQ
When do I give the tips?
Have envelopes prepared and labeled in advance. Hand them out on the wedding day — usually a designated friend, family member, or planner delivers them as each vendor finishes.
Do I tip a vendor who is also the business owner?
It's optional and depends on the business. Catering and music: yes. Photographer, planner, or florist who set their own price: a tip is a kind extra, not expected.
Does the venue's "service charge" replace the tip?
Often yes for catering, bartending, and on-site staff — but verify in writing with your venue exactly who that service charge is paid to.
What about hair and makeup the day of?
Tip 20% of the service per artist, same as a regular salon visit. Have cash in envelopes ready in your suite.