Suggested Tips

Hello, ladies. Anyone have suggested tip amounts for the photographer, videographer, florist and band? I know the general answer to my question is 'Whatever you feel is appropriate,' but I could really use some numerical guidelines! I tried doing a search of old messages -- found some helpful info, but it was just taking too long to go thru all the threads! Thanks!

Suggested Tips

Here's what I'm thinking... Florist - everything I've read says it's not necessary to tip the florist although you may tip the delivery guy. I guess our only option there is for the person who brings the bouquets, since no one from the bridal party will be at the chruch or reception site when they deliver there. I've seen suggestions of $10 - $20 and a thank you note to the florist. If they did an exceptional job I suppose you could send a gift such as a bottle of wine too. Photographer - Ours is a husband and wife team so they get all the money, no studio to split with. General rule of tipping is that you don't tip the owner. I'll want to see the proofs before deciding if they get more than the fee, unless they do some extra services or stay beyond what's in the contract. DJ / Band - Our DJ's contract suggests a tip of $100 or more being appreciated but everything I've read suggests $25 per person. I've seen a similar amount per person suggested for bands.

Suggested Tips

Karen, so if you're dj is the owner should you not feel obligated to tip? I've asked some people and they said I should tip but after paying the owner $1600 I don't know if I still have to tip.

Suggested Tips

In general, I have been told (by the owners themselves even) that company owners do not get tipped.

Suggested Tips

Technically, I would think not. They set their fees based on what they need to cover their costs. However, if they go above and beyond, it's a nice gesture. And if they have one or two assisstants, they may deserve something, since they are getting probably just getting an hourly rate. I see it as being like tipping the hairdresser. You tip the one that washes your hair. It the stylist owns the salon, they don't get tipped, but if they are just one of the employees, they get a tip.

Karen H. - Who are you using for your photography? *NM*

Suggested Tips

Everytime I talk to my dj he tells me how last weekend at a wedding he got tipped $150, and the other wedding he did they loved him so much they gave him $300! I wonder if he's trying to give me a hint!!

Suggested Tips

Sounds like it! It seems pretty tacky. I'd be put off by something like that. Next time he mentions it, why don't you just stay silent for a moment, then ask 'Why are you telling me that?' and keep silent - see what he says.

Nicole M. - another response!

Maybe you should respond by telling him that after you booked him you had 3 recommendations for DJ's that were $300 - $500 less!

Karen H. - another response!

I like that one about the djs $300-$500 less!!

Christine M. - our photographer...

Hi Christine, We are using a husband and wife team in Forest Hills - Fine Photos by Eric. He has a web page - http://www.ericsphotos.com It`s pretty simple - just 4 photos last time I looked, but it does have his contact info. The selling points for us were: 1.) He and Fi hit it off personality-wise, and since Fi hates having his picture taken, I felt that it was a big plus that they could relate - and his wife is a sweetheart! She`ll be assisting with lighting, taking candid Black and Whites, and will also be helping to make sure the veil, hair, etc. are right. 2.) I liked the fact that his photos seemed to focus on the people, and did not rely on a stunning background. We`re not going to have any castles, farms, or Martha Stewart settings to make a great photo so I wanted someone who`s work I admired despite some fairly plain settings. I`ll know in a short while if my decision was the right one. Our wedding is 4-28-01.

- another response! The Southern Bell Standard 'How Nice'

This reminds me of the old joke about the 2 sounthern bells. They went to school together and meet up some years later. One starts braging to the other about all the beautiful material things her new husband had given her. After each item the other responds politely 'How Nice'. When the first one finished her list she inquires as to what gifts her old friend received from her husband. The second responds with - My husband sent me to finishing school so I could learn to say 'How nice' to all your braging instead of '#!&# You'.