Tipping can be one of the more confusing parts of wedding planning. It’s a question couples ask often: “Who are we supposed to tip? And how much?”
The short answer? Tipping is never expected—but always appreciated. It’s a way to say thank you when a vendor has gone above and beyond. But unlike dining at a restaurant or booking a haircut, tipping in the wedding industry doesn’t follow a single standard.
If you’ve been following the Marryment Planning Guide or tuning into 52 ‘Til I Do, you’ve likely heard us suggest setting aside 5–10% of your total budget for gratuities.
In this post, we’ll walk through common tipping amounts, help you understand where gratuity might already be included, and give you practical advice on how to manage tips on the day of your wedding.
Tipping should reflect your personal feelings about the service you received. There is no required formula. These guidelines are based on industry norms and real experience, but you are never obligated to tip outside of what feels right to you.
We also want to acknowledge that the culture around tipping can feel frustrating. If you're feeling a little annoyed or unsure about it, you're not alone. Our goal is simply to offer guidance, so you can approach this topic with clarity and confidence.
Before tipping, check your catering contract—some include gratuity or a service charge automatically. If gratuity is already included in your contract, you can check this off of your list. If not, you have a couple of options:
Option 1: Tip Per Staff Member
Option 2: Tip Based on Food & Beverage Total
This is one of the larger vendor categories, so tipping based on team size often makes the most sense.
If your beauty team feels like they’re working salon-style, tip them the same way:
20% of the total service cost is standard.
Tip in cash at the time of service or have your coordinator distribute envelopes if needed.
Though we see it far less frequently than venues, sometimes gratuity will already be included in a hair and makeup contract. Be sure to check that agreement first before proceeding.
This category is often overlooked, but if you’re around to receive items, a $20–$30 tip per delivery is a kind gesture.
Just note: couples or coordinators may not always be present for early deliveries, so this one isn’t always feasible to be delivered by your coordinator.
If you’ve hired a professional officiant:
Religious considerations: For example, it’s customary to give in increments of $18 for Rabbis, or to donate to the officiant’s affiliated organization in lieu of a personal tip. Some religious organizations may have a suggested (required) donation amount to their organization.
These are some of the other vendors we commonly see involved in a wedding day, and many couples choose to include them in their tipping plan.
Let’s talk about the slightly awkward one—your coordinator.
As someone who receives these tips, I’ll say this: there is no expectation, but a tip is always incredibly appreciated.
The most common amount we at Marryment have personally received is between $200-$300, though it varies depending on the length of our planning time together, the complexity of the day, or whether we’re managing multiple events over a weekend.
It feels a little funny writing this out, but if you’ve felt supported, cared for, and like your wedding was in good hands, tipping your coordinator is a lovely way to acknowledge that effort. We notice. And it means a lot.
✔️ Use sealed envelopes, labeled with the vendor’s name
✔️ Designate someone (like your coordinator) to distribute them
✔️ If we’re handling tip distribution for you, I’ll check in if we’re unsure about anything
This keeps everything organized and ensures your thanks are delivered discreetly and professionally.
Tipping is a personal choice. Use this guide to help you plan, but don’t stress if every line item doesn’t apply to your day. If you have questions about how to handle tips for your specific vendor team, let’s talk it through. This is one of those details where a little planning makes a big difference.
For more wedding planning tips, listen to our podcast 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Have more tipping-related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!
Searching for your wedding planner or wedding coordinator? Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Lombard, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Lisle, Barrington, Downers Grove, Wheaton and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.
Schedule your free planning call with us.
Planning tips, wedding inspiration, and exclusive offers—straight to your inbox! Join our community and get the latest updates to make your wedding journey even more joyful.
