Tip Opinions

AlwaysABridesmaid...

Ok. I have questions about tipping. Do I tip...
Dj & Wife who have their own company?
Photographer who own's her own company?
Make up artist who works for herself?

So confusing!

gostissa

I have been told that you don't need to tip professionals who own their own business.
I am not the biggest expert in the field, though, since I am from Italy....

At our wedding, I did not tip the DJ and make-up artist, who were independent professionals. They did not complain

The photographer was a friend of us, so no problem on that side.....

EKobrenski

I just found this yesterday:
http://sites.google.com/site/riss91bio/helpful-info/tipping-etiquette

bostonbride214

We didn't tip our photographer (she owns the business) but I do plan on getting her a TY gift certificate once we get our albums.

I did tip the make-up artist and hair stylist as I would in a salon as they provided a service. Both do own their own businesses, so I guess that one didn't follow the rules for me.

noodle_oo

I agree, if it is their own company, I wouldn't tip.  Our DJ works for a company (Curtis Knight) so we'll probalby give him $50 tip.  I'm hiring MUA and hair stylist who are independent professionals, so figuring no tip necessary.  Same for photographer/videographer.

EKobrenski

I think hair and makeup are the exception to the owning your own business rule.  So I've heard.

noodle_oo

Ekobrenski: really?  Just curious, do you know why?  They are already charging an arm and a leg, along with all our vendors , but why are they exempt but say photographer/videographer are not?  Also, do you do 15-20%?

EKobrenski

In Response to <a href="http://forums.weddings.com/Sites/Weddings/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_massachusetts-boston_tip-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:89Discussion:06d3c1f3-1c59-46df-92af-47962435ea5cPost:1f11f658-c6a1-45aa-9861-3b8003ef3e39">Re: Tip Opinions</a>:
[QUOTE]Ekobrenski: really?  Just curious, do you know why?  They are already charging an arm and a leg, along with all our vendors :), but why are they exempt but say photographer/videographer are not?  Also, do you do 15-20%?
Posted by noodle_oo[/QUOTE]

I don't really know the reason why.  It was just what I was told when i was making the budget.  I think potentially bc they are traveling to you when they normally would do it in a salon?  i could be wrong though!  I think you tip based on how well they did, but if the bill is huge (mine will be probably $2K) you dont need to tip like $400.  Check out that link I posted above.

gostissa

I think it depends.
My hair stylist (which owns his salon) specifical do not accept any form of tips from clients he's personally takes care of.

ebigelow

what about a band??  We booked an 8-piece band through the actual band leader and did not go through an agency (although you can book them through one)...do I tip??  I'd obviously rather not tip since that's a lot of people, but I will if that's the proper etiquette! 

bostonbride214

We did not tip our band - same size as yours and also booked the same way. We didn't feel it was necessary - BUT they were awesome and kept the dance floor packed all night!

OctBride1010

Personally, I would say I agree with if they own their own business you don't have to tip them.  But, if they work for a company a small tip would be nice.  But, on the same note, I would also say no matter who they are if they go above and beyond then maybe a small tip would be a nice way to say thank you.  That isn't anything I read just what I think.  I think of tips as something that someone deserves not something you HAVE to give.  Any way you look at it, all the vendors are getting paid unless they are a friend.  JMHO

jacquikev

I found a tipping guide in brides magazine. 

up to 50 bucks per DJ

Hair/ makeup: 15 - 20% of the bill.  Note: no need to tip if the stylist comes to you 

Photographer: 15% i they dont own their own bussiness. 

 

There is more on the list about alter boys, coat checkers, valets, bartenders, ect.