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Tipping vendors... Who are friends.

thejinxchanthejinxchan member
Ninth Anniversary 10 Comments Name Dropper 5 Love Its
in Wedding Etiquette Forum
Sorry if this has been posted, I searched the forums a bit but didn't find anything relating. I have read the tipping guide, but I am very lucky to have talented friends. I think tipping them would be rude, so I am considering a real physical gift or a gift card to a place I know they like. Is that a good idea? What amount should I consider? They are all attending my wedding as well. I am paying a very low rate on all of their services except for the makeup artist who is gifting it to me.

So aside from the caterer and bartender, my friend vendors are:
-cake
-photography (total of 3 people- my two friends will be doing portraits and ceremony, and one of their little sis who is a student photog is doing the reception so they can enjoy the rest of the day)
-hair stylist
-makeup artist
-coordinator
-officiant

Lastly... Do I need to tip the lighting provider? And my venue is the Air Force museum and a few volunteers veterans will be helping out for the day. I'd like to gift something to them individually.

Thanks for your insight!
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Re: Tipping vendors... Who are friends.

  • InspiredDIYBrideInspiredDIYBride member
    5 Love Its First Comment
    Sounds like you and I are in the same boat! I also have a few friends helping out with a few things and I have thought about this as well. I don't know what would be considered "good etiquette", but I think a gift like a gift card or something special in place of a tip would be wonderful. For example, the friend of mine that is doing my hair and make-up I plan on getting her something like a gift certificate for a massage, so she can get pampered for pampering me on my big day! I have also thought of a cute new make-up carry bag for when she travels filled with some of her favorite products. I would think about their roles in the wedding and of course "tip" accordingly. Your tipping guide may come in handy here, as it may give you an idea on what to spend on your gifts. If they are close friends helping you out, I think they would appreciate a gift more anyhow, regardless of what you spent on it.

    By lighting provider, do you mean someone such as a DJ who is providing just up-lighting for the ceremony?  If they are just providing the lighting and nothing else, my instinct is to say no. This of course is based on if they are only providing a few lights. If they are in fact putting in a good amount of time doing more than "basic" lights like hanging lights then I would say use your judgement. 

    As for the Veterans, why not make a small donation in each of their names to the Air Force Museum that you are holding your event in? If you want to do something physical, how about something useful like a multi-tool?

    Hope I could help you with some insight and congrats on your big day!
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