I just found an article on tipping

Is it true that you dont usually tip the photographer & videographer??

Tips on Tipping
Who gets the gratuities—and how much
by Anita K. Henry
It's customary to give gratuities to your wedding vendors. But to whom? When? And how much? To add to the confusion, some vendors include a gratuity in their contracts while others leave tipping to your discretion. Ask before you sign, so that you know whether tipping is optional or contractual. Here's a breakdown of what to expect and what to do:

WHEN GRATUITIES ARE EXPECTED
Waitstaff at rehearsal dinner

HOW MUCH TIP? For parties of 20 or more, a gratuity of approximately 20% will automatically be added to the bill.
Wedding-day transportation

HOW MUCH TIP? 20% of the total cost.
WHEN TO TIP: Most transportation companies allow the option of paying in advance or on the day of the wedding.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The best man. He can be in charge of paying any outstanding transportation bills and tips.
Reception staff (including the manager, maitre d', waitstaff, bartenders, and powder-room, coat-check and parking attendants)

HOW MUCH TIP? 18-20% of final reception bill. (This is usually split between the manager, maitre d', waitstaff and attendants.)
WHEN TO TIP: The bill and tips are usually paid a few days prior to the reception.
DJ/musicians at reception.

HOW MUCH TIP? $20-$25 for each musician.
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of reception.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The best man. Have cash envelopes prepared in advance.
WHEN TIPPING IS OPTIONAL
Delivery truck drivers (cake, rental equipment) and workers who set up rental equipment (tents, tables and chairs)

HOW MUCH TO TIP? $5-$25 per person, depending on difficulty of the tasks.
WHEN TO TIP: Upon delivery or post setup.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The person accepting deliveries or the person in charge of setting up the ceremony and reception sites. Have cash envelopes prepared in advance.
Officiant

HOW MUCH TO TIP? $100 and up. It is common to make a donation to the church/synagogue or to a charity in the officiant's name in lieu of a tip.
WHEN TO TIP: Donations can be made prior to the wedding, presented at the rehearsal dinner or given after the ceremony.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The best man, if you wait until the wedding weekend.
Organist/musicians for ceremony

HOW MUCH TO TIP? $20-$25 for each musician.
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of ceremony.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The best man. Have cash envelopes prepared in advance.
Reception hall manager/maitre d'

HOW MUCH TO TIP? $30 or more for each, depending on the size of the wedding and the final reception bill.
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of reception.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The father of the bride or the best man. Have cash envelopes prepared in advance.
Waitstaff and bartenders

HOW MUCH TO TIP? $20 per person or 10% of the total bar tab for bartenders. (Also, instruct the maitre d' that guests should not be solicited for tips.)
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of reception. If you are tipping a percentage, you will need to know the final bar tab first.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The maitre d'. Have cash envelopes prepared in advance.
Powder-room, coat-check, and parking attendants

HOW MUCH TO TIP? Each attendant should receive $.50-$1 per guest. (Also, instruct the maitre d' that guests should not be solicited for tips.)
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of reception.
GIVE THE JOB TO: The maitre d'. Have cash envelopes prepared in advance.
Hair and makeup artist

HOW MUCH TO TIP? 10-15% of total cost.
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of service.
Manicurist

HOW MUCH TO TIP? 15-20% of total cost.
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of service.
Masseuse (pre-wedding massage)

HOW MUCH TO TIP? 15-20% of total cost.
WHEN TO TIP: At the end of service.
TIPS YOU CAN SKIP
Although you can always tip or send a thank-you note for exceptional work, these vendors do not generally receive gratuities for their services:

Wedding consultant
Stationer
Bridal shop
Seamstress for alterations
Tux shop
Jeweler
Cake baker
Florist
Caterer
Photographer and assistant
Videographer
Travel agent for honeymoon

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Posted by AtticaQT

Although you can always tip or send a thank-you note for exceptional work, these vendors do not generally receive gratuities for their services:

Wedding consultant
Stationer
Bridal shop
Seamstress for alterations
Tux shop
Jeweler
Cake baker
Florist
Caterer
Photographer and assistant
Videographer
Travel agent for honeymoon

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I like how this sounds.

That's great!

THanks!

It is lists like those that brainwash brides into thinking it's okay for them not to tip. It's not. I'm in the bridal industry and I'm finally going to be on the other side (don't have the date yet). Most of the women on these boards hire major photography companies to do their wedding, e.g. Cassarinos, Proline, Imagine etc. Though you may be paying well over $4000 for a photography package, your photographer only makes a mere fraction of that.

It goes unsaid that if your photographer is obnoxious, in the way, unfriendly you are under no obligation to tip. However, if your photographer has been courteous to and your guests, efficient, and on top of things, A TIP IS VERY MUCH EXPECTED AND APPRECIATED. Would you consider not tipping a waiter at Applebee's? Think about it, your photographer is with you for 10-12 hours...like going to a restaraunt, just because you pay for the food doesn't mean you won't include a tip for your waiter.

Like many of you, our budget is limited, but to feel good about yourself for saving $100 on a tip for someone else that does appreciate it very much is not the way to go.

Tipping is a touchy subject, but it goes with the territory. It must be considered into your budgets. Similarly, you shouldn't go into a situation with the mindset that you're not or you are tipping someong. Let their actions and attitudes make up your mind for you.

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Posted by NYCHICK

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Posted by AtticaQT

Although you can always tip or send a thank-you note for exceptional work, these vendors do not generally receive gratuities for their services:

Wedding consultant
Stationer
Bridal shop
Seamstress for alterations
Tux shop
Jeweler
Cake baker
Florist
Caterer
Photographer and assistant
Videographer
Travel agent for honeymoon

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I like how this sounds.

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Posted by hearts



It is lists like those that brainwash brides into thinking it's okay for them not to tip. It's not. I'm in the bridal industry and I'm finally going to be on the other side (don't have the date yet). Most of the women on these boards hire major photography companies to do their wedding, e.g. Cassarinos, Proline, Imagine etc. Though you may be paying well over $4000 for a photography package, your photographer only makes a mere fraction of that.

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Many people use photographers who work for themselves, rather than out of someone else's studio. These photographers are getting 100% of the fee, minus their own expenses. In this case, do you still feel that a tip is necessary?

Thanks Georgia!
I intend to tip my photographer and videographer. They're going to be with me for almost 12hrs.

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Posted by littlewilson

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Posted by hearts



It is lists like those that brainwash brides into thinking it's okay for them not to tip. It's not. I'm in the bridal industry and I'm finally going to be on the other side (don't have the date yet). Most of the women on these boards hire major photography companies to do their wedding, e.g. Cassarinos, Proline, Imagine etc. Though you may be paying well over $4000 for a photography package, your photographer only makes a mere fraction of that.

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Many people use photographers who work for themselves, rather than out of someone else's studio. These photographers are getting 100% of the fee, minus their own expenses. In this case, do you still feel that a tip is necessary?

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i personally don't find it necessary, but depending on the final product i may elect to go against my better judgment...

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Posted by littlewilson

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Posted by hearts



It is lists like those that brainwash brides into thinking it's okay for them not to tip. It's not. I'm in the bridal industry and I'm finally going to be on the other side (don't have the date yet). Most of the women on these boards hire major photography companies to do their wedding, e.g. Cassarinos, Proline, Imagine etc. Though you may be paying well over $4000 for a photography package, your photographer only makes a mere fraction of that.

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Many people use photographers who work for themselves, rather than out of someone else's studio. These photographers are getting 100% of the fee, minus their own expenses. In this case, do you still feel that a tip is necessary?

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I don't feel that a tip is necessary for people who work for themselves since they indeed are making 100% of the money. I'm simply talking about freelancers that work for studios that make pennies compared to the studios they work for.