Tipping Tips

Sorry, but the expenditures aren't over yet. Here's who it's appropriate to tip, and how much.
By: 
Cybele Eidenschenk

"Thanking your wedding vendors and service people with some extra money is a gracious thing to do," says Jung Lee, a partner at Fête, a wedding planning firm in New York City.

How to do it? Slip cash or personal checks into envelopes and hand them out at the end of the night.

Do Tip

Tipp
  • Your officiant: $25 to $100, depending on how many guests you have.
  • Ceremony assistants (altar boys, organist): $5 to $25 each (but first ask a clergy member whether tips are covered by the church fee).
  • The caterer (only if gratuities are not already covered in the contract): 15 to 22% of the total food/beverage cost (this will later be split among the wait and kitchen staff).
  • The chef: $1 to $2 per guest.
  • Divide an additional 5% of the total food and beverage cost among the banquet manager, maitre d', coat checker and bathroom attendants.
  • Hair and makeup artists: 15 to 20% of their fees.
  • The limousine drivers: 18 to 20% (unless it's included in the contract).

Don't Tip

  • The florist; the baker; the photographer

Keep your wedding budget from busting at the seams by consulting our Budget Basics section.