A Couples Guide to Gratuities
Day by Design Weddings is based in Ontario, Canada and all values are relevant to the region.
Let me just start by saying that gratuities are not required. Unless explicitly dictated by a contract - it’s completely up to you. That being said, there are a few vendors who will probably expect it.
Call me old fashion, but I still believe that gratuities should be tied to a job well done. The purpose of this post is to give you an idea of what typically happens when your wedding team knocks it out of the park. What you choose to do is ultimately, all up to you.
… gratuities are not required.
More than cash or gifts, the absolute best thing you can do for your vendors is to give them excellent reviews online.
Whether it’s Google, Facebook, or something else, your words of affirmation mean the world to your wedding vendors. Your positive reviews allow for business growth, reassuring future couples with the same peace of mind you wanted when booking your professionals.
If the gratuities tally is starting to make you break out in hives, just remember, kind words are free and they mean so much to all of your pros.
… just remember, kind words are free…
SOME PROS HAVE IT IN THE FINE PRINT…
Caterers and reception site managers usually have a tip included in the bill. Take a good look at the contract/invoice to see if it’s been automatically added to your invoice or is listed as required on the event day. If they were amazing, couples commonly offer the banquet captain a tip that equals approximately $1-$2 dollars per guest - which they then distribute to the staff working on your event.
Likewise, bartenders generally include a gratuity in their invoices. I often recommend couples offer an additional 10-15% on the grounds that there will be no tip jar out for their guests.
SOME PROS ARE REALLY EXPECTING ONE…
Your hair and makeup team will probably be expecting a gratuity similar to what you would give if you went to a salon for a service. They don’t generally included it in the invoice but 20% wouldn’t be unreasonable for them.
Similarly, the limousine driver is generally tipped based on service. If you feel yours did an outstanding job then 15-20% of the bill is typical.
Did you hire parking attendants, coat check, or washroom attendants? These folks could reasonably expect $1-2 per guest at the beginning of the night.
THESE PROS WILL BE SURPRISED AND DELIGHTED…
Some of your pros don’t generally receive a tip unless their service is out of this world. If you decided that you wanted show some extra love, here is what I typically see…
Florists often see $25-50 per person involved in the set-up and tear-down.
Photographer and Videographers often see $250-500, if there is a second shooter, they might be given $50-150.
If tipped, a cake artist generally receives $25-50.
Your live band or DJ isn’t likely expecting any gratuities but if they kept the dance floor packed and you feel so inclined, I typically see $25-50 per band member or 10-15% of the invoice for a DJ.
When it comes to your wedding planner/coordinator, we don’t expect anything. Generally, if we’ve been excellent in our service, we see anything from spa gift cards and jewelry to monetary tipping.
There’s a lot of information here, and at the end of it all, these are simply suggestions, solely based on what I’ve seen in my years of experience.
What’s important is that you know, outside of contractual obligations, you make the decisions. If you make the choice to tip vendors, we recommend putting their gratuities into separate sealed envelopes (which your planner will happily distribute for you on the day).
Did you find this post helpful? Comment below and let me know!
