Tips for Tipping
T
he best tip of all is to simply spread the word about the vendors you love and chose to work with on your wedding day. Discussing their talents and services with others works wonders for their business. Let’s be honest, no one can ever ask for a better tip than a great referral. Word of mouth reviews, as well as positive reviews on wedding websites, are what couples typically consider before calling a vendor for a meeting. Your review might just get a wedding pro that next contract – a tip that will definitely be worth more in the long run. After all, who would you trust more than a real couple who just utilized the services of a wonderful wedding professional? Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation to your vendors, but it’s never obligatory and is always up to the couple. Some vendors do not expect tips, some appreciate them but don’t expect them and certain vendors 100% expect them. So how do you know who to tip and how much is appropriate? Most vendors do a lot of work behind the scenes, and some after the day itself, to make your wedding go as smoothly as possible. Tipping should be based on the services of a vendor, time and energy spent on and preparing for your big day, and the quality of their work. Here’s a simple rule of thumb: If you just love your vendor, and if (s)he is going above and beyond to make your special day even more fabulous, why not show how much you appreciate the effort? A recent survey asked both married and unmarried individuals their opinion on what the tip should be for a variety of vendors. Here are the answers given for the average tip, the most popular answer – and true amount that should be given based on industry norms.
Officiant: Average tip: $129; most popular answer - $100. Now, what’s typical? Most clergy in a house of worship will ask for a donation. This is usually $200 to $500 or more, depending on your house of worship. The officiant will expect a tip/donation. If you are getting married in a less traditional setting, the officiant should be tipped $50 to $100. Wedding Coordinator: Average tip: $117; most popular answer - $100. This is the person you depend on to make it all come together! Tipping your coordinator is not expected, but preferred. A typical gratuity for an event coordinator is 15% of their bill. Hair and Makeup Artists: Average tip: $48; most popular answer - $50. Your hair and makeup artists expect tips. On average this should be about 20% of their entire bill. DJ or Band: Average tip: $56; most popular answer - $100. The DJ or band appreciates a tip, but it’s not expected. A little extra for a DJ or band that played one extra song, stuck to your play list, or pronounced your wedding parties names flawlessly deserves a little something extra at the end of the night! This should be 10% of their bill or $50 per musician. 54
.
.
.
.
.
.Brides
&
Weddings
of
Northern
Virginia