Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who to Tip and How Much

Who to Tip at a Wedding, and How Much

Updated November 3, 2026

How Much Should You Tip Wedding Vendors?

Common U.S. practice is 15–20% for catering staff, bartenders and drivers when gratuity is not already included, and 15–25% for hair and makeup artists. Tips for DJs, photographers and delivery crews are optional, often a set amount per person. Check your contracts first, because many caterers already add a service charge.

Updated November 3, 2026 · Source: ido.broker planning guide; check your own contracts and local rules.

Tipping customs vary; these are common U.S. practices, not rules. First read your contracts: many caterers and venues already add a service charge or gratuity, and a service charge is not always passed to staff, so ask.

Common Tips

Vendor	Common practice
Catering staff and bartenders	15–20% of the food and bar bill if gratuity is not included, or a set amount per server
Hair and makeup	15–25% of the service, like a salon
Drivers	15–20% if not included in the quote
DJ, band, photographer, videographer	Optional; a set amount per person or a great review
Delivery and setup crews	A small cash amount per person
Officiant	Often a donation to their place of worship, or a gift
Business owners	Usually not expected

How to Hand It Out

Put cash in labeled envelopes and give them to a trusted person or your coordinator to hand out at the end of each vendor's service.

Find Wedding Vendors Near You