Wedding Vendors: Tipping Cheat Sheet

I hear the question all the time, “Should I tip my vendors”? My answer is yes and then sometimes I say, well it all depends.   

I know your pockets are already getting a little light after having to dig deep for so many other wedding expenses, so the thought of shelling out gratuities on top of that can be a tad daunting and a little tricky.  Well don’t worry because unless the contract with said vendor is specific about including it, you otherwise are not obligated.

However, please note that some vendors will be expecting gratuity; this is when you have to consider everything on a case-by-case situation. There are some general rules of thumb like: Don’t tip business owners. You should only tip their employees but if the service is beyond exceptional then please tip the owner; so I say always tip vendors whose service exceeds your expectations; always send thank-you notes, they are much appreciated as your words can be a recommendation for the vendor; tips are usually handed out the day of the wedding, and since it’s your wedding day you shouldn’t have to worry about money, so assign a trusted person with the responsibility of tipping your vendors, such as your wedding planner, best man, maid of honor, or a parent.

Provided is a cheat sheet, so read on.