Aboutweddings.com wedding budgeting article: tipping / who, what and when

Many people will be involved in making your day spectacular, some of whom are customarily thanked with a monetary acknowledgment. But who, how much and when?

There is a difference between tip and gratuity. A gratuity is added automatically into the food/beverage price and can range from 15-20 percent. It will be written into your contract and is non-negotiable. A tip, on the other hand, is a voluntary gift given to hotel/catering staff and other vendors for excellent service.

BEFORE THE WEDDING
Musicians / Entertainers: 20 percent of the booking fee
Makeup & Hair Artists: 15 percent of total bill
Manicurist / Pedicurist: $2 for basic service, 15 percent for anything beyond
Rental / Delivery Personnel: $5-$20 per person (tents, tables, chairs, cake, equipment)
Chauffeur: 15 to 20 percent

THE WEDDING
Civil Ceremony Officiant: $50 to $75
Clergy Person: the bestman normally gives the clergy an envelope containing $100 to $150 after the ceremony. It is not considered a tip, but rather a donation.
Ceremony Musician: $30 to $50 for an organist or other musicians included in the rental of the church or synagogue. $15 to $25 per hired musician.

THE RECEPTION
Valet: $2 to $4 upon delivery of each car
Coat Check Attendant: $1 per coat
DJ / Reception Musicians: $15 -$30 per musician
Wait Staff: $20 per person, in addition to the gratuity built into the contract, is acceptable
Bartender: $25 per person or 10% of total bar tab (guests should not be solicited for tips)
Reception Site Manager / Maitre d': $30 or more per manager, depending on the size of the event, or 15 to 20 percent of final bill should you feel it is warranted.

EXCEPTIONS
Tips are generally not expected for the bridal salon and formalwear consultants, stationer, cake designer, floral designer, caterer, photographer and videographer. However, a thank-you card is an appreciated gesture.

Prior to the wedding put tips in envelopes labeled with vendor names, then have the best man or wedding coordinator discretely deliver them to the appropriate persons.

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