Tip Sheet

The Q: "Thank you for posting such interesting questions and great answers! My question is what is the etiquette for tipping vendors? Do I have to tip them and if so what percentage? Do I have to tip all of them or just the ones that went above and beyond? If you can shed any light on this that would be helpful! "

The A: Yes, you should tip your vendors, though many people feel that if the vendor themself is the owner of their own business, no tipping is necessary. In those instances, I often suggest a small gift. Below is a tip sheet, with some of our general tipping guidelines- as well as our explanations! Often, I think of these numbers as MINIMUM tips, especially here in NY for photo, maitre'd and video, but remember, some gesture is often better than none!

Limo/Shuttle Bus: $20 per driver
Hair & Make-up: 15%- 20% of the total
Floral Delivery: $20 per location
Photographer & Assistant: $100, $50 REMEMBER, they still have work to do after this
Videographer & Assistant: $100, $25 same for the video
Ceremony Musicians: $25-$35 per musician
Cake Delivery: $10-25
Band Tip: $100 for band leader and $25 per musician, $25 extra for musicians who also played during cocktails.
DJ tip: $100
Elevator/freight Operator: $50
Lighting Set-up: $20
Maitre D: $100-$300
Bartenders: $40 per bartender
Banquet Manager (catering hall): Nice gift. A good bottle of wine or a gift certificate.
Petty Cash for the event for DOC: $300 in small bills
wedding coordinator: gift certificate/ small gift