WWW.TABPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

There are so many situations in life where you tip, where you don’t tip, how much to tip, can you tip… tip tip tip….

As a wedding photographer in Hartford, Ct. I’m not a tipping expert. Thought I will say that when it comes to dining out I’ve been told I can sometimes over tip… Not the point here. Your wedding. Do you tip your wedding vendors? The answer, quite simply is… Some yes some no. HAH! That wasn’t an easy answer was it. LOL.

Okay, let’s break your wedding vendors down. The do nots. There are wedding vendors where you just don’t have to tip unless you really feel they went above and beyond or you just feel like it’s something that would make you and them feel great. Those vendors – party rental company, they don’t need a penny more, the salon itself – nope, cake baker or stationary company. Nope, don’t need to tip there either. Again, unless you feel it’s something that is well worth it.

The ones that are sometimes expecting tips – your makeup artist, depending on who they are working with on the day, some bridesmaides pay and tip for themselves others don’t. For the MUA you should plan on an average of 15-20% just like you would on a normal salon day trip…. parking, coat check, rest room attendants and the likes, the average seems to be about $1.00 per car / guest. Wait staff seems to be an average of $20.00 per server. HOWEVER, look over the contract and determine if your reception site already has a tip worked into the package. Same goes for your livery service, some limo companies have the tip automatically worked in. Not to say you can’t go above and beyond but look that over so you’re not giving someone $100.00 when they’ve already received $90.00…

How about the wedding florist, wedding photographer, and more. Those are a totally different playing field. As a destination wedding photographer myself. There are times when I’ve received a $500.00 tip, and times when I’ve received a hug and a thank you. I never expect one over the other and am fine with either. And I know many florists that feel the same way. I think it just comes down to what your budget can swing. Just be fair, honest with yourself and if you like the outcome or the energy that was provided with the work, I would say again, go for the 20%… But that’s just my two cents from the ct. wedding photographer….