How Much To Tip Your Wedding Photographer And Other Vendors?

In the world of wedding planning, tipping your vendors can feel like a mystery. You want to do the right thing—show your appreciation for the hard work that goes into your wedding day—but how much money is enough? Who do you tip, is it mandatory, and when do you tip? It’s one of the most common questions couples ask during the planning process. In this guide, we’re breaking down the standard practice of tipping wedding vendors, with helpful tips on how to show appreciation for the exceptional service that brings your special day to life.

Is Tipping Your Wedding Vendors Required?

The short answer? Not always. But it’s a nice gesture that goes a long way. Many wedding photographers and other vendors are small business owners who set their own prices. In this case, a monetary tip is not mandatory. But a thoughtful thank-you, a glowing review, or even a small gift can make a difference.

Still, for some service providers, especially those in the service industry professionals category—like catering staff, drivers, or makeup artists—a cash tip or gift card is considered a common practice and a sign of appreciation for their dedication.

Standard Tipping Practices For Your Wedding Vendors

Tipping Your Wedding Photographer & Videographer Team

Your wedding photographer team captures every laugh, tear, and first dance. That’s no small task. While tipping your wedding photographers is optional, it’s nice to tip for exceptional service- especially if you received more than you paid for in terms of quality of service or extra hours of work.

Suggested Tip:

Main photographer: $100–$250, depending on your wedding budget and overall level of service.

Second shooter: $50–$150 each.

Wedding videographer: $100–$200 is typical.

If you’re working with a wedding photographer in a high-demand market, a larger tip may be appreciated, especially if they’ve gone the extra mile. A testimonial or Google review is also a great way to help them attract new clients. Tip at the end of the night or after receiving your wedding photos and final edits.

How to Tip a Wedding Planner

Your wedding planner is often the first to arrive and the last thing standing between you and total chaos. If your planner owns their own company, a small tip isn’t always expected, but a thoughtful gift or kind words go a long way.

Suggested Tip:

• Tip assistants $50–$150 each.
• For exceptional service, a gift card or 10–15% of the total bill can be a kind gesture.

Don’t forget a positive review on platforms like Wedding Wire or other wedding publications—it’s one of the better ways to show appreciation.

Tipping Your Wedding Officiant

Your officiant plays a central role in the most meaningful moment of your special day- your wedding ceremony. Whether you’re working with a close friend, a religious leader, or a professional officiant, it’s thoughtful to offer a gesture of appreciation for the exceptional service they’ve provided.

Suggested Tip (or Gift):

Religious officiants: A donation of $100–$500 to the affiliated house of worship is standard practice. You may also consider a small gift or gift card if a monetary donation isn’t appropriate.

Professional officiants: Tip $50–$100 or a nice bottle of wine for a ceremony that runs smoothly and reflects your values and personality.

Friend or family officiants: Since they may not accept payment, a thoughtful gift, dinner out, or a handwritten card with heartfelt words is a nice gesture.

Read More: 12 Fantastic Gifts For A Wedding Officiant

Tipping Catering Staff & Reception Staff

When it comes to catering staff and reception staff, tipping is usually expected—unless a service charge is already included in your contract. Check the fine print to see if gratuity fees or a service fee were applied.

Suggested Tip:

• For catering staff, 15–20% of the total bill is common practice.
• Tip bartenders separately if needed, especially if they don’t have a tip jar.

Distribute tips evenly among the team or through the venue coordinators. Keep some envelopes with cash tips ready for the end of the day, and designate a bridesmaid or family member to hand them out after the wedding reception winds down.

Tipping Hair & Makeup Artists

Your make-up artist and hair stylist work early hours to ensure you and your bridal party look flawless. Like a salon visit, tipping is expected.

Suggested Tip:

• 15–25% of the final price, based on the quality of service.
• Tip per artist, and hand it to them on the day of the wedding.

Tipping Ceremony Musicians, DJs, and Bands

Your ceremony musicians, DJ, or live band bring the energy to your dance floor and set the tone for your big day. A tip is not mandatory, but often appreciated, especially if they accommodated special requests or performed past their scheduled time.

Suggested Tip:

• DJ: $50–$150
• Live musicians: $25–$50 per person

Provide tips at the end of the night, and a positive feedback message or social media shoutout is always appreciated.

Read More: Do You Need A DJ For A Small Wedding? [+7 Fun Alternatives]

Transportation Drivers

If you’re hiring professional drivers for a wedding venue shuttle, limo, or charter bus, confirm whether a tip is included in the flat rate.

Suggested Tip:

• $20-$50 for the tip.
• Tip at the end of the day, per driver

This is one area where tipping is the best way to thank service industry professionals who prioritize your guests’ comfort and safety.

Other Vendors to Consider

Delivery drivers (cake, rentals, florals): $10–$50 per person

Setup crew: $20–$40 each

Restroom or coat check attendants: $1–$2 per guest

Tip jars: These are often discouraged at weddings unless you’re working with a vendor who insists on one.

Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Wedding Vendors (Beyond Money)

While tipping is a traditional gesture of appreciation, there are better ways—or at least equally meaningful ways—to recognize the exceptional service your vendors provided on your big day. Many wedding professionals run their own businesses, so thoughtful gestures that support their visibility and growth in the wedding industry go a long way.

Here are four personal and impactful ways to thank your vendors if a monetary tip isn’t part of your wedding budget- or even in addition to one.

Leave a Glowing Review

The most important thing you can do to support a vendor’s business is leave a detailed, positive review- on Google, Facebook groups, and wedding vendor sites like TheKnot.com or WeddingWire.com

Give Them a Shoutout on Social Media

Tag your vendors in your wedding photos and reels on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. It’s a great way to show appreciation in the first place and introduce them to a wider audience. This helps your service providers connect with other couples, builds engagement, and supports their marketing efforts.

Send a Handwritten Card or Small Gift

A handwritten thank-you card filled with heartfelt words can mean just as much as a cash tip. Add a small gift—think a box of local treats, a candle, or a bottle of wine—as a thoughtful gift they’ll remember.

Refer Them to Friends

Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to support small business owners. If you were thrilled with your perfect photographer, make-up artist, catering staff, or DJ, tell your friends. You can also comment on local forums, Facebook wedding groups, or Reddit threads when couples are searching for trusted professionals.

Concluding Thoughts: Planning your tips ahead of time ensures no one gets overlooked and helps you stick to your wedding budget. When in doubt, use this guide as your go-to resource- and know that your generosity will be remembered long after the wedding day. At the end of the night, what matters most isn’t how much money you give- it’s the recognition of a good job and the way you say thank you. Whether it’s a monetary tip, a positive review, or a kind gesture, every show of gratitude counts.