Event Tipping 101

August 24, 2024

Tipping Vendors: A Guide for Your Party, Fundraiser, or Wedding

When planning a party, fundraiser, or wedding, tipping vendors is an important aspect that ensures you show appreciation for their hard work. While tipping practices can vary, understanding when and how to appropriately reward those who contribute to your event can help you maintain positive relationships and ensure a smooth experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on tipping etiquette for different types of vendors involved in your event.

Why Tipping Matters

Tipping is a way to acknowledge the effort and service provided by vendors. It reflects your gratitude and can significantly impact their overall satisfaction and willingness to work with you in the future. Additionally, tipping is often seen as a professional courtesy, especially in industries where workers may rely on tips as part of their income.

General Guidelines for Tipping

Check Contracts and Agreements: Review your contracts with each vendor. Some agreements include gratuity or service charges, which may affect your tipping decisions. Confirm with the vendor to avoid double tipping.
Consider Service Quality: Base your tip on the quality of service and your satisfaction with the vendor’s performance. If the vendor goes above and beyond, a higher tip is often warranted.
Tip Based on Budget: The amount you tip should be proportional to your overall event budget and the specific services rendered. Aim to be fair and reasonable in relation to the cost of the services.
Cash is King: Tips are typically given in cash, as it allows the recipient to receive the full amount immediately. Prepare envelopes with the appropriate amount before the event to distribute easily.

Tipping Guide for Different Vendors

Caterers

Standard Tip: 10-20% of the total bill.
When to Tip: If a service charge is not included in the contract, or if the service is exceptional.
How to Tip: Deliver tips directly to the catering manager or chef on the day of the event. You can also include it in the final payment if preferred.

Photographers/Videographers

Standard Tip: 10-15% of the total bill.
When to Tip: For exceptional service or if you’re particularly pleased with their work.
How to Tip: Hand the tip directly to the photographer/videographer at the end of the event or include it in your final payment.

Wedding Planners/Coordinators

Standard Tip: 10-20% of their total fee.
When to Tip: If the planner or coordinator has provided exceptional service beyond what was expected.
How to Tip: Provide the tip at the end of the event or after the final planning consultation.

Band/DJ

Standard Tip: 10-15% of the total bill or a flat amount of $50-$200.
When to Tip: For a great performance and smooth execution of the music during the event.
How to Tip: Hand the tip to the band leader or DJ at the end of the event or include it in the final payment.

Bartenders

Standard Tip: 10-15% of the total bar bill or $1-$2 per drink.
When to Tip: If bartenders are providing a high level of service, especially during a busy event.
How to Tip: Hand the tip directly to the bartender or include it in the final payment if they are part of a larger service.

Event Staff (Setup, Cleanup, Servers, etc.)

Standard Tip: $20-$50 per staff member.
When to Tip: For extra effort in setting up or cleaning up beyond their standard duties.
How to Tip: Distribute the tips at the end of the event or provide them with the final settlement.

Florists

Standard Tip: 10-15% of the total bill.
When to Tip: If the flowers and arrangements exceed your expectations and the service is outstanding.
How to Tip: Deliver the tip directly to the florist on the day of the event or include it in the final payment.

Transportation Services (Drivers, Chauffeurs)

Standard Tip: 15-20% of the total fare or a flat amount depending on the length of service.
When to Tip: For professional and punctual service, especially if the driver goes out of their way to ensure comfort and safety.
How to Tip: Hand the tip directly to the driver at the end of the service.

When it Gets Confusing

What if a vendor or venue, like Imperia, offers multiple service in one? Do you tip double? Do you tip less? Here’s the general rule of thumb:

You never have to tip. Tipping is for exceptional service. Side note: I always try to spend my money, and patronage, with restaurants and services that pay their staff a fair living wage. Then my tip truly is for exceptional service, as a reward for how awesome the person is at providing whatever service is their specialty. It’s not “guilt” or “suggestion” driving my tipping decision – it’s truly gratitude. Thus, “gratuity.”
If a caterer or venue has a service fee, they are legally required to share what that service fee includes. (Ask Imperia! We have a statement on our packets, menus, and contracts. We also have a “Service Fee – Explained” post for those who’s like a deep-dive of information). If it says that the service fee is not a tip, consider tipping. You would only tip the service staff based on a percentage of the food/beverage cost, not on the entire bill. You can hand this tip to the lead server or banquet captain at the end of the night.
If a DJ is also your photo booth, lighting, live music, and flaming-torch-juggler, you do not have to tip a flat fee for each of those things – if they provided exceptional service, just tip based on their overall fee.

Conclusion

Tipping is a meaningful way to express your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of vendors who make your event special. By following these guidelines and considering the quality of service provided, you can ensure that your gratitude is conveyed effectively. Proper tipping not only shows your thanks but also helps build positive relationships for future events. Remember, a little extra goes a long way in making your vendors feel valued and respected.