California Wedding Wave

Photography by: Next Exit Photography

In the 2008 Los Angeles edition of Ceremony Magazine, Mary Dann-McNamee of Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators provided readers with some very valuable information on tipping etiquette. Mary has recently written a book, along with Leila Khalil of Be Inspired, Wedding Public Relations, entitled Wedding Wisdom: An Insightful Approach to Wedding Planning, where she shares her wisdom and experience as not only a talented wedding coordinator but as a marriage and family counselor, too!

Because weddings are often a one-time event, many people are unaware of or unsure about tipping etiquette. Almost all of your vendors are in the service business, so gratuities are always appreciated. The following is a list of what is customary, but of course, not mandatory. Keep in mind that a kind note of thanks can be gratuity enough.

Service Provider                           Tip Amount                             % of Time They Are Tipped

Banquet Captain                           $50-$200                                 99.9%

Catering Manager/                        $50-$500                                 50%
Director of Catering

Bellman                                        $5-$20 each                            100%

Any Musicians or DJs                     $20-$50                                   50%

Videographers                               $40-$100                                 40%

Photographers                               $50-$200                                 40%

Hair & Makeup                              10%-20%                                 90%

Officiant                                       $20-$100                                 50%

DJ                                                $50-$100                                 50%

Floral Designer                              $50-$200                                 70%

Wedding Coordinator &                  $300-$1000                              80%
Team