From the maitre’d and bridal attendant to the flower delivery and chef, we’ve got you covered.
Trying to keep track of everything for your wedding is a full-time job. We get that. So, when it comes to keeping track of your spending, all those balancing skills you learned in home ec are kicking in. And just when you think you’ve spent enough, you realize you have to tip a whole list of people – and everyone has a different requirement or opinion on the amount you “should” tip. Each venue will give you a recommendation as well. And while there are some guidelines, at the end of the day, you really should tip what you feel comfortable with and what you feel the vendors deserve.
Below is what Bride of Long Island recommends.
Pre-Wedding Day Tips
Trials – this includes hair or makeup, 20% of the cost of service (ie. $100 bill is a $20 tip)
Engagement shoot – $50-75
Bridal gown seamstress – $50-100
Wedding Day Services
Bridal hair/makeup – 20% of the cost of service
Bridesmaid hair/makeup – 20% of the cost of service (can be paid by bridal party members or the bride)
Mother of the Bride hair/makeup – 20% of the cost of service
Wedding Day Vendors
Main photographer – $100-125
Photography assistant – $100
Main videographer – $100-125
Video assistant – $100
Drone operator – $50
Shuttle bus or limo driver – $100
Antique car driver – $50-75
DJ – $100
MC – $100
Lighting assistant – $50
Ceremony musicians – $20/person
Cocktail hour musicians – $20/person
Band – $50/person
Photobooth – $40-50/person
Percussionist – $75-100
Officiant/priest/clergy – $50-100
Live painter – $100-200
Cigar roller – $50-100
Florist – $40 for delivery and set-up; $20 for just delivery
Cake delivery – $20
Full time wedding planner – $400-500
Day of coordinator – $200
Wedding Day Venue Staff
Maitre’d – this will really depend on each venue and how the tip gets split. The most common BOLI see is between $3-5 a person in your headcount total (ie. 100 guests would be $300-500 tip). Speak with your venue on guidance.
Bridal assistant – $150-250
Chef – although not standard, some venues suggest tipping up to $200.
Bathroom attendants – $20/person (if not included in maitre’d tip)
Valet – $75/person (if not included in maitre’d tip)
Bartenders – $100/person (if not included in maître’d tip)
While it might be hard to think of on the day of your wedding, a good suggestion is to put each tip in an envelope based on the suggestions above, as well as suggestions from the venue. When it comes time to hand them out, add a little more or remove as you see fit. If that’s too stressful, base your tip on your experiences before your wedding day. Did the DJ and photographer listen to your concerns? Were they available when you needed to speak with them? How about the venue? Most venues have a tasting ahead of the big day – did you meet with the maitre’d then? How were you treated?
Again, the above tips are just suggestions. Ultimately, you should tip with what you feel comfortable with, as well as how you feel the service was.
Written by Christine McGrath,
BOLI Blogger
