Who Should You Tip On Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is full of joy, celebration, and heartfelt moments — but it’s also a day where many professionals work hard behind the scenes to make everything seamless. One question that often gets overlooked in the planning whirlwind is: who deserves a tip? Navigating wedding gratuities can be tricky, especially when you’re balancing etiquette, budget, and gratitude.
Tipping isn’t just about money — it’s about appreciation. From the hairstylist who perfects your bridal look to the caterers serving your guests, each vendor plays a role in making your celebration unforgettable. Understanding who to tip (and how much) helps you thank the right people without overspending or missing key contributors.
Tips For Who Should You Tip On Your Wedding Day
Tip Your Beauty Team
Your hair and makeup artists are responsible for helping you look and feel amazing. It’s customary to tip them as you would in a salon setting — typically 15–25% of the service cost. These pros often arrive early, work under time pressure, and help calm your pre-ceremony nerves.
Show your appreciation in cash, placed in a card or envelope. If you’re covering beauty costs for your bridal party, include their gratuities in your budget too.
Thank Your Catering Staff
Caterers and waitstaff work tirelessly to ensure every guest is served promptly and every table stays spotless. Many catering contracts include a service charge, but this doesn’t always go directly to the staff. Ask your venue or caterer how tips are distributed before assuming it’s covered.
- Servers: $20–$50 each
- Bartenders: $50–$100 each
- Kitchen Staff: $20–$50 each
Don’t Forget The Delivery Crew
From cake delivery to floral setup, drivers and delivery teams work quickly and carefully to set the stage for your celebration. Tipping $5–$20 per person is a kind gesture for their time and effort.
Show Appreciation To Your Musicians Or DJ
Your ceremony musicians, reception band, or DJ set the soundtrack for your day. If their performance exceeded expectations, a tip of $25–$50 per musician or 10–15% for DJs is standard. You can hand this off personally or through a wedding coordinator.
| Key Consideration | Example | Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty Services | Hair & Makeup | Tip 15–25% in cash on the wedding day |
| Catering Staff | Servers & Bartenders | Confirm if gratuity is included in the contract |
| Delivery Teams | Cake, Florals, Rentals | Have small bills ready for quick hand-offs |
| Music & Entertainment | Live Band or DJ | Tip for exceptional service or extended sets |
| Transportation | Shuttle or Limo Drivers | Tip 15–20% of total cost after final drop-off |
