One of the most common questions engaged couples ask us at Potomac Point Winery is: “Who should we tip on our wedding day, and how much?”
Tipping wedding vendors is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their hard work in making your special day unforgettable. While gratuities are often expected in certain industries, others may leave it up to your discretion. To help make tipping stress-free, we’ve put together this complete guide on tipping your wedding vendors.
Service Fee vs. Gratuity – What’s the Difference?
Catering Staff
Before diving into tipping etiquette, it’s important to understand the difference between a service fee and a gratuity:
Service Fee: Many venues and caterers include a mandatory service fee (typically 18-25%). This fee helps cover operational costs and higher staff hourly wages, but it does not fully go to the service staff.
Gratuity: A gratuity is an optional tip given as a thank-you for exceptional service. Even if a service fee is included in your contract, some couples still choose to tip key staff members separately. 100% of a gratuity “tip” will be given to the intended staff members.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down which vendors expect tips and how much to give.
Wedding Vendors Who Expect Tips
Some vendors rely on tips as part of their compensation. Here’s who typically expects gratuity and how much to tip:
- Delivery & Setup (think cake, floral, rental delivery): $5-20/person upon delivery
- Officiant: $50-$100 at the rehearsal
- Hair & Makeup Artists: 15-20% of the total bill, given once services are complete
“Check Your Contract First” Tips
Couple & Officiant
Some vendor contracts may already include a gratuity charge, so review before tipping extra. At Potomac Point Winery, we do not include additional gratuity for our bartenders and servers. However, if you feel they have provided exceptional service, gratuities are always appreciated as a way to recognize their hard work and dedication to making your event special.
- Bartenders & Catering Staff: 15-20% of the food & beverage bill (given at the end of the reception)
- Venue Manager / Banquet Captain: $100-$300
- Transportation Drivers: 15-20% upon pickup or after the last ride
Optional (But Appreciated) Tips
While not required, these tips are a wonderful way to show gratitude for excellent service:
- Venue Coordinator / Wedding Planner: $150-$300 in cash or a thoughtful gift (given at the end of the reception)
- DJ / Live Musicians: $20-$50 per musician (given at the end of their performance)
- Photo Booth Attendant: $50-$100 (end of contracted time)
- Photographer / Videographer: $50-$200 in cash or a gift (at the end of the reception)
- Head Chef: $50-$100
- Kitchen Staff: $20 per staff member
Tip Jars at the Bar – Yes or No?
Couple & Wedding Planners
If you’re offering a hosted bar at your wedding, you might wonder whether to allow a tip jar for bartenders.
Pro Tip: Many wedding guests love the opportunity to personally thank great bartenders with extra tips, so allowing a tip jar can be a great option.
However, if you prefer not to have a tip jar, be sure to communicate this with your venue or bar staff in advance. In this case, it’s important to tip bartenders and servers yourself at the end of the event to ensure they are properly compensated.
How to Handle Tipping on Your Wedding Day
Prepare Envelopes in Advance: Assign someone you trust (like a parent or wedding party member) to distribute tips at the appropriate time.
Cash or Digital Tips: While cash is the most common, some vendors accept digital payments—just check in advance.
Personal Notes Go a Long Way: A heartfelt thank-you note along with the tip adds a personal touch that vendors truly appreciate.
A Great Way to Thank Your Wedding Vendors
In addition to tipping, one of the best ways to show appreciation for wedding vendors who gave you an amazing experience is to leave a positive review on public wedding sites like The Knot and WeddingWire. These platforms help future engaged couples find the best vendors, and your feedback can make a big difference in supporting the professionals who made your day special!
Final Thoughts on Tipping Wedding Vendors
Tipping is an important way to recognize the hard work and dedication of the professionals who bring your wedding vision to life. While it’s not always mandatory, showing gratitude with a well-planned tip can make a big impact. Check-out our list of preferred wedding vendors here.
Still planning your dream wedding? Potomac Point Winery offers a stunning vineyard venue with exceptional service to make your big day magical. Learn more about our wedding packages here!
