Tipping Cheat Sheet!

Tips are not an obligation for the Bride and Groom, so do not consider it mandatory to provide one. A tip is a token of gratitude for wonderful service, beyond what is contracted of the vendor. Make sure you read your contract thoroughly; Some vendors and caterers include gratuity in their final cost. Most company owners do not expect a tip, they are normally reserved for employees. A personal note, glowing online review or a professional wedding day photo is a wonderful gesture of gratitude instead.

Plan to budget for gratuity when creating your list of expenses. Plan to distribute the tips at the conclusion of the event. Prior to the wedding, ideally the night before, allocate the funds into individual labeled envelopes and trusted to a bridal attendant, trusted family member or the wedding coordinator.

Here is a Tipping "Cheat Sheet" to help you with any tipping confusion:

Wedding Planner: Tipping your wedding planner is optional, based on service. Situations in which you may want to tip as a "thank you" include the planner going above and beyond their obligations, or a large discount you may have received. 10-20% of their contracted price is a great number.

Caterer: 15-20% is an appropriate range if gratuity is not included in the contract. You can also offer $50-100 to the chef and $20-50 per server.

Photographer and Videographer: Tips are not expected if they are the owner(s) of the company. $50-200 is a nice gesture if they do not own the company. $50-100 per shooter if there are more than one. The amount of shooters will be stated in your contract.

Officiant: Officiants normally do not accept tips, but a $100 donation to their church is a wonderful way to say thank you. If the Officiant is non-denominational, consider giving them $100 as a tip.

DJ: Most DJs carry their own equipment, transporting it to the location of the event. 10-15% is a great way to show appreciation for bringing the energy to your reception.

Band: $25-50 per musician/band member

Hair and Makeup: Like any professional salon visit, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is expected but not mandatory.

Transportation: 15% if not included in the contract.

Floral and Decor: Florists do not expect a tip, but if they do an exceptional job, you can consider giving a 10-15% tip

Keep This In Mind When Choosing Your Venue

Finding your venue is an exciting step in your planning process. Once you find what you and your bride/groom believe to be the perfect location for your event, it is easy to forget some important questions that need to be asked and details to remember. 

Each couple is different and the process of choosing a wedding date is unique to each. Some couples go to different venues with an exact date in mind. Others are more flexible with only a certain month as their criteria.  Whichever couple you are, have an idea of your wedding date when exploring possible venues. You will be able to find out the availability right away, and that may immediately effect your choice.

Looking for that perfect venue can be overwhelming, but  the choices are easily narrowed down by your guest list. Make sure you have a number for your guest list before you start your search. You want to make sure that your venue has the proper capacity to hold your guests. Ask the capacity of each room if you plan on using more than one for your ceremony and reception.

You have your number, and are touring the space, but don't forget that your guests are not the only number you have to keep in mind. Make sure to ask how many guests can fit in the venue comfortably seated for the ceremony, and with tables for dinner. Do not forget the dance-floor! For example, you will need at least 448 square feet (16' x 28') of dance-floor space for a wedding with 150 guests.These tables and the dance-floor take up more space than you may originally realize, and a room that fits 150 people, will not fit that same number after all the decor is set up.

Pricing is always important. Ask about the pricing structure and what the price entails. Is there valet parking? What is the type of lighting installed? Is catering in-house or is there a list of approved outdoor caterers? What type of chairs, tables and tableware are available from the venue? Will you have to order some on your own? What are the bar options?

Logistical questions about access to venue for vendors, restrictions and the amount of staff available that day are acceptable questions to ask as well. You can never have too much information. 

Some couples decide to find their venue before they hire their wedding planner and do not know what to ask. Make a list of important points you want in your venue and keep notes on each venue you visit. You will find the perfect venue for your special day.