Tipping vendors

So this is kinda my last 'to do'

I have read tipping guidelines etc and none are consistent. I'm torn between looking cheap and really not having the extra $$

The one consistent thing I did see was that if the vendor owns their company, then no tip. Same w/ hair and makeup. Which makes sense to me since they are getting the payment in full.

The average of all the tips i saw was the following (low end being 10 high 50)$25 for the DJ, Percussionist and piano player. The MC owns the company and doesn't have an office space.

Photographer owns the company - his assistant and videographer $30 each.

Wedding planner gets 10%.

Does that sound crazy?? I'm not sure what to do if I need to tip more for each - Could I write a check out to cash for each??

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Posted by mattandjess2013

Personally, I believe in tipping even if they own their own company. And the tips you showed, for me personally, seem really low. If you have a DOC or wedding planner, I would talk to her.

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ITA! Even if they own they own company they are still providing a service for you and if they do a fantastic job IMO that is even more reason to tip. I also agree that what you have listed for tipping so far is really low.

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Posted by jassy119

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Posted by mattandjess2013

Personally, I believe in tipping even if they own their own company. And the tips you showed, for me personally, seem really low. If you have a DOC or wedding planner, I would talk to her.

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ITA! Even if they own they own company they are still providing a service for you and if they do a fantastic job IMO that is even more reason to tip. I also agree that what you have listed for tipping so far is really low.

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I also feel your tips are low. The tips you mentioned are most likely not for NY weddings.
We spent over $1000 on tips and we had owners who we tipped a little under what we would for an employee. I only regret 1 tip amount and it was for one of the limo drivers ( he wasn't attentive). We should have taken some money out but we were busy with photos.

personally i would still tip if they owned their own company. just to show appreciation if they go above and beyond for you on the day of.

i also feel the tips you mentioned sounded low. The dollar amounts for the DJ and photographer sound really low. If you look online try to remember that prices for these services in general are lower in other parts of the country.

Check your contracts, sometimes there's a suggested gratuity listed in there.

The concept of not tipping the owner originated in the premise that the owner charges you more for their service and the tip is considered built-in. Some people are getting away from that, and if you're getting a great deal from one of your owner-vendors, you may want to tip anyway

In terms of the kinds of services we're getting as brides, I never heard of a flat amount - with the exception of my photo booth attendant. They listed a flat suggested tip in the contract.

Also keep in mind, these vendors are making at least minimum wage. It's not like in the restaurant industry where making below min is common due to tips actually supplementing income.

We all work hard for our money and we have to be careful where it goes, especially nowadays when the economy is so fragile. You don't need to give an amount just because it says so on some Internet list (probably sponsored by a vendor!). I know you'll come to the right conclusion. :)

All our contracts specify plates are included, plus a gratuity not included, except our RH. Even so, we will be tipping everyone at least 20% plus their plates.
I guess everyone should go with what they feel comfortable about doing. Personally, I just wouldn't feel right without taking care of all the people involved, regardless. But then again, all our vendors have been so great to work with that I want them to know they have been appreciated.

I've been stressing the tipping stuff recently too, who to tip and how much... it gets very overwhelming. Definitely ask your coordinator for advice on that; she would know best.

Also, I heard the same thing about not tipping the owner; but I know that one of my vendors (who is the owner) will accept a tip but promptly give it to his staff/assistants.

However... that being said... you can afford what you can afford. I'm sure vendors see tips of all denominations and the only people who 'expect' a tip are the maitre'd, bridal attendant, wait-staff captain (if your RH has one) and hair dressers. All others say it is not necessary but certainly appreciated.