How to Tip Wedding Vendors: A wedding tipping guide

​Although tipping is not mandatory, it is an expression of gratitude toward the vendor, especially since weddings by nature require extra attention to details and consideration.  Additionally, since many vendors operate small businesses, tips offer instant feedback while many times providing needed income. 

An alternative to tipping is a rave, detailed 5-star review, if the vendor has earned.  Positive reviews are like GOLD in the wedding industry. You put your trust in us, and please let others know about your journey, story and experiences with wedding planning.  The most common sites are Google, TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com.  Of course, there are areas in which the vendor can improve, please share that directly with the vendor in a kind, constructive manner and avoid blasting it out into the world.  

​There are some sample reviews that our past wedding couples have posted.  And, on our “Gratitude” page of our website, these are thank you notes that our past couples have sent to us, which is also another option.  So, point-being, there are other creative and heartfelt ways of showing your gratitude other than handing over cash.
Along with almost 20 years of planning and coordinating Colorado weddings, I have researched several resources to create the tipping guidelines listed below.  In general,….

• Any vendor can be tipped the 10-15% after the wedding.  I suggest creating sealed and labeled tip envelopes to distribute on the wedding day.  
• Have on hand quick cash (small bills) on the wedding day in case there is a vendor who went beyond the normal scope of service or you encounter an unplanned come-across (such as a door attendants, delivery persons).  
• Finally, CHECK YOUR FINAL BILL before tipping and make sure that service fees or gratuities aren’t already included.

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