The Tipping Point

I just had a bride ask me a great question and I thought, "Blog topic!".

Her question was, "Is it expected that we tip any of the vendors? What about the caterer? If so, then what amount is appropriate?". While I can't tell you exactly who/how much to tip, I can tell you that tipping is optional (but appreciated) and depends on the type of service (photographer, florist, etc.). It can be a set amount ($25 - $200) or a percentage (usually between 10 and 20%), but most vendors will probably expect something (this is a generalization of course, I don't know EVERY vendor personally or their expectations). If you are going to tip your vendors, yes, the caterer should be included. Why not? They provided a service just like all the other vendors that day, probably one of the MOST important - your FOOD!

Just a few "tips" about tipping that I would advise to clients:
- Like with any other service, a tip says "Great job, thank you!" You tip your server at a restaurant, your hair stylist, a valet, etc., so if you are satisfied with the service on your wedding day, why not show it by shelling out a few more bucks?
- You don't want to be carrying around tons of cash on your wedding day (and yes, all tips should be in cash), so I have suggested many times to put a cash tip in marked envelopes for each service provider and select a trusted friend or family member (or your wedding coordinator)to hand them out before the end of the reception on the wedding day.
- Make sure that the tip isn't already incorporated into your contract. Usually caterers or limousine companies will add the gratuity right in the contract, so be sure to look it over carefully so that you are not tipping double.

Bottom line: tipping is optional and is a nice way to say thank you for going above and beyond our expectations.