Blog post

Tips You Didn't Budget for on Your Wedding Day

Author:
Tandem Staff
Marriage

Congratulations, you're engaged! You've probably started envisioning your dream wedding – the dress, the venue, the flowers, and the cake.

Not to burst your love bubble, but... theres a costly wedding expense no one talks about and often gets overlooked: tipping your vendors.

While it may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, it's an important line item in the overall budget and is probably more than you think.

From your wedding planner to the catering staff, there's a whole team of people who typically get compensated for making your big day unforgettable.

Let's break it down:
Wedding Planner/Coordinator

It's customary to tip your wedding planner or coordinator 10-20% of their fee, up to $500, or you can opt for a personal gift.

Photographer/Videographer

Tips for these vendors range from $200 to $400. With additional gratuity to any support or additional staff they bring.

Catering Staff/Venue Staff

If gratuity isn't already included in your contract (make sure to check!), consider tipping $20-$50 per staff member.

Florist

A tip of $100 - $300 is a thoughtful gesture for bringing your floral vision to life.

Hair and Makeup Artists

Plan to tip 15-20% of the total cost if gratuity isn't included in the contract.

Band or DJ

On average this is about $50 - $150 per member or $200 for the DJ.

Officiant

Consider a tip of $50 - $100, or if its a family member or close friend, consider a meaningful gift that they'd like, like a nice bottle of whiskey.

Transportation

If gratuity isn't included, plan to tip 15-20% of the total bill.

These tips can add up to thousands of dollars, so budget for them accordingly. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and you should consider the quality of service provided when determining the amount.

It's also important to review your contracts carefully, as many vendors include gratuity in their fees nowadays. However, if you're unsure, it's better to be safe than sorry and plan to tip accordingly.

On the big day, the bride and groom typically give the envelopes containing the cash tips to their wedding planner or a trusted family member to distribute to the vendors. This ensures that everyone receives their well-deserved appreciation without the stress of handling it yourself.

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