Sarah and Heath - Showing thanks! (Photo by Jacqueline Photography www.jacquelinephotgraphy.net)
One thing that I have noticed along the way as a Wedding Planner is that most people are flat out confused about how gratuities for their vendors work. Who should they tip? How much? The answer is simple. Remember that all of your vendors are in the “service industry” just as a manicurist, a server, a hair stylist, etc. Their main objective is to provide you with exceptional service and a perfect end-product so that you will refer them to others in the future or use them again yourself. So, when thinking about how to handle gratuities for your wedding vendors, just remember: They are the key to making your day successful! You should absolutely show your gratitude if they have accomplished that and/or exceeded your expectations.
How much to tip? From DJ’s to Caterers and everyone in between, the level of service that they have provided to you should be considered when determining the amount that you will be handing out (or having your planner hand out for you) in those envelopes or mailing with a thank you card after your event. If they have exceeded your expectations, consider a 20% or higher gratuity. If they got the job done and met your expectations, 10-15% gratuity would be fair. Although most vendors won’t be expecting you to thank them monetarily, it is a very classy and extremely appreciated gesture that really shows them how thankful you are. Including a testimonial that they can use on their web site or printed material is the icing on the cake!
Happy Planning!
