💵 Vendor Tips Calculator

FAQ

What is the standard tipping percentage for wedding vendors?

In the US, the customary range is 15–20% of the vendor's service fee. However, some vendors (especially business owners) don't expect tips, while staff members typically do.

Tip Recipient	Recommended Tip	Basis
Catering staff / servers	15–20%	Of total food & beverage bill
Photographer (employee)	15–20%	Of photography package price
Photographer (business owner)	$100 – $200 gift	Not expected, but appreciated
DJ / musician (employee)	15–20%	Of DJ/band service fee
Florist (delivery staff)	$20 – $50 each	Per delivery person
Limo / shuttle driver	15–20%	Of transportation total
Hair & makeup artist	15–20%	Of service cost per person

How much should I tip catering and bar staff?

Catering is typically the largest vendor expense, so tips here are the most significant line item.

Catering Scenario	Service Cost	15% Tip	20% Tip
Budget dinner (100 guests × $60/pp)	$6,000	$900	$1,200
Mid-range dinner (100 guests × $100/pp)	$10,000	$1,500	$2,000
Premium dinner (100 guests × $175/pp)	$17,500	$2,625	$3,500
Bartenders (2 bartenders, 5 hrs)	Included in catering	$50 – $100 each	$100 – $150 each

Note: Check your catering contract — many include an automatic 18–22% service charge. If so, additional tipping is optional.

How do I tip the photographer, DJ, and florist?

These vendors are often small business owners, which changes tipping etiquette.

Vendor	If Employee	If Business Owner
Photographer	15–20% of package ($450–$600 on a $3,000 package)	$100–$200 gift or no tip expected
Second shooter / assistant	$50 – $150	N/A
DJ	15–20% of fee ($180–$240 on a $1,200 fee)	$50–$100 or no tip expected
Band members	$25 – $50 per musician	N/A
Florist	$50 – $100 for delivery/setup team	Thank-you note or small gift

How much should I tip transportation drivers?

Drivers are almost always employees and should receive standard gratuity.

Vehicle Type	Typical Cost	15% Tip	20% Tip
Limousine (bride/groom)	$500 – $800	$75 – $120	$100 – $160
Shuttle bus (guest transport)	$400 – $600	$60 – $90	$80 – $120
Classic / vintage car	$600 – $1,000	$90 – $150	$120 – $200
Party bus	$800 – $1,200	$120 – $180	$160 – $240

Tip: Check if gratuity is included in your transportation contract before adding extra.

What is the total tip budget I should prepare?

Here's a sample total tip budget for a mid-range wedding ($35,000 total budget).

Vendor	Estimated Tip (2026 USD)
Catering staff (15–20%)	$1,500 – $2,000
Photographer	$200 – $600
DJ	$180 – $240
Florist / setup crew	$50 – $100
Hair & makeup (2 artists)	$150 – $300
Driver(s)	$75 – $200
Wedding planner / coordinator	$200 – $500
Officiant	$100 – $200
Total tip budget	$2,455 – $4,140

Prepare cash in labeled envelopes and assign a trusted person (best man, maid of honor, or planner) to distribute them on the wedding day.