Should I Tip My Wedding Vendors?
Planning your wedding comes with plenty of decisions, and figuring out who to tip can feel like one more thing to add to the list. If you’re getting married in Duluth, along the Twin Ports, or anywhere around Lake Superior, the good news is that tipping is appreciated, but it is not required.
Unlike restaurants, most wedding vendors set their own pricing. That means gratuities are meant to recognize exceptional service, not to make up for low wages.
Which Wedding Vendors Should You Tip?
Most couples choose to tip vendors who provide hands-on service throughout the wedding day, especially if they went above and beyond. These often include:
- Catering staff: 15 to 20% if not already included
- Bartenders: $50 to $100 per bartender, or check if gratuity is included
- Hair and makeup artists: Around 20%
- DJs: Around $100 to $300
- Day of Coordinators: 15 to 20% if not included
- Transportation drivers: 15 to 20% if not included
- Photo Booth Operators: Around $50 to $80
- Delivery and setup crews: $10 to $50 per person
Before setting aside cash, take a look at your contracts. Many caterers, transportation companies, and venues already include a service charge or gratuity.
What About Your Photographer, Videographer, or Planner?
This is where opinions vary. Many wedding professionals, including photographers, videographers, planners, and florists, set their own prices to reflect the value of their work. Because of that, a tip is never expected. We advise if you are going to tip, the average we see is between $100 to $300.
If someone exceeded your expectations, solved problems behind the scenes, or made your day easier, a tip, thoughtful gift, or glowing online review is always appreciated.
One of the Best Thank Yous Costs Nothing
One of the biggest ways you can support your wedding vendors is by leaving a review. Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola all help local businesses connect with future couples.
Sharing your photos on social media, tagging your vendors, and recommending them to friends also goes a long way. Those referrals mean the world to small businesses serving Duluth, Lake Superior, and the Twin Ports.
Our Advice at Complete Weddings + Events Duluth
At Complete Weddings + Events Duluth, we never expect a tip. Our team is committed to giving every couple the same level of care from the first planning call to the final song of the night.
If you feel your DJ, photographer, videographer, coordinator, or photo booth attendant made your wedding day even better, a gratuity is always appreciated but never expected. The best thank you is knowing we helped create a wedding that felt like you.
Looking for more wedding planning tips for Duluth, Canal Park, the North Shore, or the Twin Ports? Browse more planning resources from Complete Weddings + Events Duluth and connect with local wedding vendors who know the area best.
