Aug 7, 2005 3 min read

Dear Joy, Our wedding is in early September. We are trying to finalize our expenses and we realize that we should set aside some money for tips, but we are not sure who needs to be tipped and who doesn’t.

Do you have a guideline for tipping at weddings? Thanks Josh and Meg

Dear Josh and Meg,

Here are my guidelines for wedding tipping customs:

– Caterer, banquet or restaurant manager, including wait staff: 15 to 20 percent of the bill, if gratuities are not included. The reception host may be asked to pay the bill in advance. If gratuities were not included in the bill, the host would give the manager the tip in an envelope during the reception.

If the caterer or manager has been extremely helpful, the host may want to give him an additional tip, usually $1 to $2 per guest.

– Bartenders: 15 percent of the total liquor bill, which is paid at the end of the reception by the wedding host. Bartenders should not accept tips from guests. A “no tipping” sign should be displayed at the bar.

– Coatroom, parking and powder room attendants in a hotel or country club: $1 per guest per service. The host may want to arrange this gratuity with club or hotel management in advance; guests should not feel they have to pay.

– Limousine driver: 20 percent of the total bill. The host or bestman should give the driver the tip in an envelope at the reception site.

– Delivery-truck drivers for baker, florist, etc.: $5 to $10 each. The host should tip drivers at the delivery site.

– Musicians: $20 to $25 each; DJs are tipped about 15 percent of their fee. The host pays tips at the end of the wedding reception.

I don’t feel that you need to tip the photographer, videographer, florist or baker for their services.

You also do not need to tip the singer or organist, unless you are not being charged for their services.

Pastors are not “tipped,” especially if the church is receiving a wedding fee. Check with the church secretary for their normal protocol. Sometimes, “donations” to a particular church fund are appreciated.

Civil officiants, like a justice of the peace, are not allowed to accept tips.

A tip is an expression of gratitude for efficient service. If your balloon decorator or cake maker does an outstanding job, please don’t hesitate to include them in your tip budget.

Joy’s Bridal Tip: Having a rehearsal dinner at your home and need to hire temporary help? If you hire wait staff outside of a local agency, you simply pay them the rate you have agreed upon in advance. A tip could be included if you believe their work is more than satisfactory. When using a local agency, determine before the event whether the tip will be included in the bill.

K. Joy Schaeffer is a bridal consultant. You can e-mail her your bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.