Tipping??

I won't be tipping any of our vendors, our reception already includes a tip, I will be sending them a thank you card!

In the Chinese culture, we're suppose to be handing out red pockets in lieu of tipping. The red pocket is lucky money, symbolizing that we're passing on the luck. I have budgeted about $850 just for these red pockets alone! I will be giving one to each of the helpers of the wedding (set up, MC, wedding party, wedding coordinator) plus our make up artist and photographer. Standard amount is $50/person.

Ditto to everything here this is EXACTLY what I'm doing!

I like the way you mentioned offering a service vs. product! Super easy way to remember!

I was told by vendors locally, that you tip if the person providing the service is not the owner. For example, my photographer, make-up/hair stylist, and both decorators all own their businesses and are the ones who are coming to provide the services. So I would not be expected to tip. I will be having my wedding at a restaurant, so there is a 20% gratuity attached to the food ordered, but I suspect not for the drinks (I need to confirm that actually!), but if it isn't, I would be tipping the bartender.

I will be giving each of my vendors a thank you card on the day, along with one of our favors we are giving each of our guests. I suspect this would be sufficient.

So we only tipped for the following:

- Hair stylist

- Make up Artist

- Limo Driver (just realized we didn't tip the one at the end of the night. TOTALLY forgot. We only tipped the day time guy)

Our florist, videographer and photographer all own their own businesses, so I didnt feel the need to tip on top of that. However, I have left all of them glowing reviews and referred other brides to them.

Our DJ we didn't tip either, but again, left glowing reviews.

That's all we tipped!

How much is customary to tip?

If someone is providing a SERVICE, not product (Florist, for example), tipping is appreciated. If gratuity is already included (catering/venue), then additional tipping is not necessary, but if they go above and beyond, that's up to you.

Your DJ, Hair/Makeup Stylist(s), Photographer, Officiant, Bartenders (if not included with venue gratuity)... Perhaps your wedding planner, if you have one... but for the most part, any entertainment or decor companies, it's not as necessary, and more to your discretion.

Following this discussion! We will tip the bartenders for sure and I am going to tip my hair and make up lady.