be true to you.........

the w's of tipping

 

My couples always have questions about tipping etiquette. Since it is customary to tip for services, couples like guidance about industry etiquette--they want to show their appreciation to those who have made their wedding day so beautiful.

Here's a quick Q&A and other resources:

 

Who receives a tip? Everyone involved in the planning and execution of your wedding appreciates a token of thanks. InsideWeddings asks clients to prepare the giving of tips by thinking about everyone who has been involved in the process. This will include all of your foundational vendors (like the photgrapher and caterer) in addition to those who are on their feet the whole day of your wedding (like the coordinator's assitant or the photobooth tech). The Knot provides a list of people and ranges to consider.

 

What (how much) do I tip? As a general rule, I recommend tipping 10%-20% of the total services provided. The amount, of course, depends on the quality of service you received and how much the vendor went above and beyond for you. Did your videographer brave the rain to get hours of the perfect footage? Or was your guest transportation over an hour late? I agree with Offbeat Bride that tipping can/should include handwritten thank you notes or a thoughtful and nice gift. Again, consider what you want to give and feel free to ask me if that amount is fair. Since I oversee every detail of the process, I can offer helpful insight.

 

When are tips given? And where? I give out envelopes with the gratuities at the end of the wedding day. The couple has decided on a cash amount for each vendor/member of a team, and if a high level of standard has been met, I deliver the envelopes to each person with thanks from the couple and my own heartfelt gratitude. It really is so much work to bring an event like a wedding together, and I value all the people who make it happen.

 

Why tip? In addition to being an essential gesture of gratitude for the services provided, tipping also lets the vendor know that you are satisfied with the work that they did. After being a part of your wedding day, vendors appreciate going home with a token that lets them know you have acknowledged their time and efforts.