Tipping Vendors

munkychip

So I am confused about tipping of the photographer, florist, and cake person. I feel almost obligated to tip in appreciation but several sites suggest a small tip or none at all for these vendors. I'm confused. Also, I am having my ceremony and reception at the same place- an 18% gratuity is included in the bill. Do I have to tip the site coordinator? Wait staff? I feel so cheap not tipping! What to do?

Qston

I know! It is totally confusing, and I feel like each website I read says something different....

From your list I would say Photographer No, Florist Maybe, Cake Person No.
Site Coordinator  No. Wait Staff Yes

But who knows?! I was a server for years and years so I tend to overtip, but in terms of the wedding I am trying to be realistic for my budgets sake and think about tips in terms of paying for a service that was provided for me. It is a fuzzy line to draw about what is someone's job they were hired to do and what is a service.... I wish it was all cut and dry, tip this person X amount, and just be done!

Any Married Ladies want to weigh in on what you did?

munkychip

No kidding! EVERY website lists something different! Maybe it's one of those things that you have to do what feels right? Be kind but not over generous... thats my theory.

hkiesling

I think the general rule is that you don't have to tip for a service if they own the business themselves, but do tip if they are an employee.  I've also heard that you tip for a service but not for a product.  HTH

emilyj77

I tipped our photographers (but they're friends and gave us a really good deal), my hair person,  my make-up person, and our DJ. I did not tip for flowers, cake, or servers. There was a service fee associated with our catering bill, so we didn't need to do anything in addition. I tipped around 20% for each.
For our DJ, I didn't tip until the end of the night. I gave my day of coordinator the envelope with $20 bills and told her to ask me at the end of the night if I thought she should get the whole amount. I did give her the whole amount, but if something went wrong then I had the option of reducing her tip.
Do what feels right. If someone went above and beyond, then tip them.

may2010wedding

I agree, I am so confused on who and how much. Most of our vendors own their businesses so I feel really awkward not including a tip.

kristigiles

I've heard that if they own their own business then you don't have to tip...  Is that true?