How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors

Wedding budgets can be challenging, especially when unexpected expenses pop up. Today, we’re diving into the topic of wedding tips. When we’re finished, you’ll have a clear picture of customary tipping practices for weddings.

How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors in Kansas City | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

No matter where you live or where your wedding will take place, there are some basics you need to know about tipping and weddings in Kansas City, and across the US. You need to know how much to tip wedding vendors, which wedding vendors to tip, how to tip wedding vendors, when to tip wedding vendors, and why to tip wedding vendors.

Get your notebook and pen and get comfy; we’re going to go over all these questions, and the answers, together today.

Should I tip my wedding vendors?

Generally speaking, yes, you should tip your wedding vendors. That being said, there are certain wedding vendors which it is customary and expected to tip, and others which are optional. It’s best to budget your tips in advance and make sure to include gratuity in your overall wedding budget breakdown.

Groom and groomsmen show off socks at Loose Park in Kansas City. © Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer Kansas City

Which wedding vendors should I tip?

It’s customary to tip:

your wedding hairstylist
your wedding makeup artist
your officiant
your wedding deliver staff
your wedding setup staff
your wedding reception staff
your wedding transportation

It is optional to tip:

your wedding reception band/DJ
your wedding florist
your wedding cake baker/dessert vendor
your wedding stationer
your wedding reception attendants
your wedding dress/suit alterations professionals
your wedding photographer/videographer
your wedding photo booth attendant
your wedding coordinator
your wedding planner
your wedding ceremony musicians

Makeup artist applies lip color to bride in Kansas City. © Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer Kansas City.

How much should I tip wedding vendors?

Standard tipping amounts vary by wedding vendor, but generally speaking they fall between 10-25% of the total fee. For more in depth guidance, review this helpful guide from The Knot. When determining how much to tip your wedding vendor, take into consideration the amount of time and skill required to do the work they are doing, and their demeanor. When wedding vendors go above and beyond, it is good to show your appreciation for their help, expertise and hard work to pull off the wedding of your dreams by tipping.

Tipping Wedding Vendors

How should I tip wedding vendors?

The best way to tip wedding vendors is by presenting an envelope with cash to them at the wedding reception. This simplifies the process and is always much appreciated. Many vendors also provide means to tip electronically, via their invoices or through Venmo, Cashapp, etc. If you are not comfortable with bringing cash to your reception, you can also mail a thank you note to your wedding vendor after the wedding. Just enclose their tip in the card.

Bride smiles over her shoulder just before first look at Anita B. Gorman Park in Kansas City. © Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer Kansas City

When should I tip wedding vendors?

The best time to tip wedding vendors is at your wedding reception before the end of the night. It’s best to do this just after the first dances and before the final wedding events, such as garter/bouquet toss (if you’re doing those.)

Why should I tip wedding vendors?

You should tip your wedding vendors if you were pleased with their work and the experience of working with them. Service industry professionals work hard to go above and beyond, especially for special occasions like weddings. There is a lot of pressure and skill required to carry out a seamless wedding experience, and it requires working with many different people and personalities. Your genuine thanks and appreciation goes a long way toward helping wedding industry professionals work hard to become even better at their jobs.