Tip for vendors

I will note, just because tips aren't required certainly doesn't mean they aren't appreciated by the vendor if given them. It's up to your discretion.

I have to share on this because I have some regrets...

So I kept reading the general rule of thumb as Hank mentioned above if the vendor is a sole proprietor...etc. etc. but really pretty much all of our vendors with the exception of the catering staff, were all owners of their own companies and I just did not feel right not tipping them. I also could not afford the standard percentage based amounts based on the totals so I came up with an amount of $50.00 each in an envelope with a thank you card. This included: 4 staffing members from the catering company, make up stylist, hair stylist, two band members, and photographer (did not tip florist as they dropped the flowers off earlier in the day and I was not at the venue at the time).

I do believe tipping should be an added bonus and a thank you card and a great review I do believe go a long way if tipping is not in the budget BUT, after the hair stylist and make up artist were done with our group I wish I had tipped them more, maybe $100.00 each as they were amazing and so friendly. Also the band was amazing and I wish I had tipped them $100.00 each but I could not have known this before hand and wanted to have it all ready to go so I settled on the same amount for everyone.

I think at the end of the day you should do what you are comfortable with and not what society says but if you are really happy with the service it's a nice gesture to give something : )

Tips are given to hair/make up stylists, bar tenders unless they set up a jar for guests to give other than you, and others who are not employed by the owner. Tip amounts can vary depending on the vendors as well. There is a youtube video based on this as well, check it out.

In general, if the vendor is a sole proprietor who sets their own prices for their own work, tips aren't required as their rates should cover all their costs. But if the vendor is an employee of a company who assigns them jobs, a 15% tip for good service would be the norm.

Caterers usually expect a 15% tip if a service fee is not built into the contract. You should also tip any bar staff if service fees are not built in.