Tipping Guidelines for Events

As wedding season is upon us and I've been getting questions from clients about tipping, I thought I would re-post this handy little guild.

All tipping is optional.  Most event professionals include a service or gratuity charge in their bill.  As tipping is always an extra consideration to express gratitude for exceptional service, the following list reflects a general industry standard.

Who receives the tip?	How much?	Who pays the tip?
Officiant (Minister, Rabbi, Priest, Pastor, etc.)	Minimum of $10 - $100, maximum depends on size of wedding and relationship to official.	The groom gives the tip in a marked envelope to the best man to pass to the official after the ceremony or Consultant.
Officiant (Non-Clergy, Marriage Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, etc.)	$10 and up.  Some may not accept money due to conduct restrictions.	Same as clergy members.
Altar boys, sextons, cantors, church organists	If not covered by the church, $5 to $25 is appropriate.	Ceremony Host/Hostess or Consultant when bill is paid.
Florist, Baker, Photographer	Not customary – exceptions if extraordinary services were extended (10 – 15% if tip is given for extraordinary service).	Reception Host or Consultant
Ceremony Musicians	15% of services or $25.00 flat per musician.	Best man pays as services end.  Best man or consultant.
Limousine Service	Usually included in quote, otherwise 15 – 20%.	Reception Host or Consultant
Delivery Truck Driver (including floral deliveries)	$5 - $25 per person	Consultant or staff member present may deliver tip for client at delivery if driver performs extra service.
Coat Room Attendants or Powder Room Attendant	$0.50 per person or a pre-negotiated flat fee	If it’s not part of your facility bill, it’s paid after reception.
Caterer, banquet manager, waiters, waitresses, table captains, maitre d’hotel.	15% (which will generally be split amongst them) if not included in bill.	If included in bill, pay with entire charge, if not, pay after reception.
Bartenders	15% - 20% of the liquor bill, if not included in bill.	Pay with bill or after reception.
DJ/Reception Musicians	$20 - $25 per musician, 5% - 15% for DJ	Best man or Consultant hold tip until after performance.
Hair & Makeup, Manicurist, Masseuse	10 – 15% of total bill	You may pay yourself, or give the funds to coordinator to pay.