Guide to Gratuity

Most of your vendors are offering you a service. In the service industry, it is always recommended to tip at least 15-25%. Like all services, this is not required and depends on how well you feel they served you, but it is a nice gesture. The cost of the services you’re paying for doesn’t always go directly to the person working for you, but rather goes to the company amongst other things to help make your special occasion a success.

Some vendors that expect a gratuity include:

• Hair, makeup & nail stylists
• Delivery and setup staff
• Officiant
• Reception staff
• Transportation company
• Attire alteration professionals

Vendors that don’t expect gratuity include:

• Event Planners
• Musicians
• Photographer and Videographer
• Reception attendants
• Band or DJ
• Cake Baker
• Florist
• Stationer

Read your vendor contracts because some may already include a gratuity. An alternative to leaving a tip for those optional vendors is to leave a nice review on google or social media and send out thank you cards.  A recommendation online can go a long way.