One of the often-ignored topics in wedding planning is how to treat your vendors the day of the wedding, namely your DJ, Band, Wedding Planner, Photographer, Videographer or anyone that is present throughout the day of the event.  Although these people may not be on your guest list, it’s often common courtesy to at least assume they’ll want to eat a meal.  It’s something to think about as you make your guest list and submit your final head count for food.  You’ll also want to consider where the vendors will eat.  Will you have a table set aside for them that is part of the guest floor plan?  Will you have a table in a separate, private room?  Chances are good they’re only going to take a short break to eat, so choose accordingly.

There is one exception: when it comes to the officiant of your wedding, you should always count him/her and their significant other as an invited guest.  Send them an invitation like you would to any of your other guests. They’re the only vendor allowed to even go near the bar as well!  You definitely don’t want a drunk photographer taking your wedding photos.

Personally, I spoke to each of my vendors individually about their preferences.  I offered them the opportunity for one of the menu items and a seating arrangement.  In the end, all of my vendors preferred having a sandwich/condiments/hour d’oeuvres tray that they could quickly grab a bite from in a private section of the reception hall.  Whatever you choose, know that they’re all bound to be appreciative of your thoughtfulness (and maybe even do an extra-excellent job!).  Happy planning!

Dear Divas,

My wedding is coming up in two short weeks and someone just told me that I am expected to tip all of my vendors…including the band and the baker that’s making our cake!  I’m already paying so much for each vendor, the expense of having to tip them in addition to everything else really hurts my budget.  So, do I really have to tip them? If so, how much?!  And which vendors?!  Please help, this is all news to me!

Busted Budgeter

Dear Busted Budgeter,

First off, remember:  to receive a tip is a privilege, not a right.  Regardless, it is a pretty regular practice to tip your vendors on the day of the wedding.  There are certain vendors where a tip is more expected than others, including the hair stylist/makeup artist, officiant of your ceremony, delivery and setup staff, reception staff, and the person in charge of transportation (such as a limo or bus driver).  For all the other vendors, a tip is optional, however, if they do a great job or go above and beyond, the right thing to do would be to give them a tip.

Tips don’t have to be astronomically large.  Also, remember:  if your vendor owns the company, you do not have to give them a tip.  If they are an employee of a company, it’s nice to give them a tip.  Use the list below as a guideline:

*Please note:  Tips should not exceed $150 in any case except for the officiant.  For example, let’s say your limo was $2500.  10% of $2500 is $250–well over the $150 limit.  Therefore, you’d only give them $150.

Banquet or Catering Manager:$50-100, but this is not common.

Bartenders:  10% of your total liquor bill, divided between all bartenders.

Ceremony Musician: $15-20 per person

DJ/Band:  $20-25 per musician, $50-$150 for DJs

Florist:  $10-20 per staff member for delivery and setup.

Limo/Bus Driver: 10-15%

Makeup Artist/Hairstylist:  15%

Officiant:  If you paid to use a church or synagogue and they are associated with it, $100-200.  If you did not, a donation of $500+ is normal.  If it is a non-denominational officiant, $50-$100 if they are already charging you for their services.

Photographers: Do not tip if they own the company.  If they don’t, $50 per photographer.

Valet Parking Attendants:  $0.50 to $1.00 per car.

Wait Staff:  15% of the total catering bill (make sure it’s not already included!)

Wedding Cake Baker: $10 for delivery, if you’re there at the time of delivery only.

Wedding Coordinator: $50

Wedding Planner:  If they helped plan the wedding from start to finish, 10% of total bill.

Remember to tip all of your vendors in cash.  To save time and confusion, assign someone that is helping with your wedding to be in charge of tips at the end of the night.  Prior to the wedding day, divide all of your tips in cash in to envelopes and label them.  This way, you won’t get confused about what goes to who.  You can always adjust your tips later if you think someone deserves more or less than what you originally decided on.  Good luck and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!