Arlene Pecora: Advice on Wedding Tips

Many brides plan a detailed budget for their wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon. After contacting their local DJ's, Limo Drivers, Caterers, Florists, etc, they have a general idea of how much they will spend for each. Unfortunately, brides and grooms often overlook the aspect of "tipping" which will greatly affect your bridal budget. Tipping is, however, a customary gesture and you want to make sure that you have allocated enough money for each vendor.

Appropriate tip amounts will vary depending on the quality of service provided, but the following guidelines are the customary ranges for wedding gratuities:

• Hairstylists and Makeup Artists: Just as you would at the salon, tipping at least 15-20% for good service is expected.
• Musicians and DJs: If you hired performers without the help of an entertainment agency, it's customary to tip each band member or singer $20-25, and DJs $25-100 each. Tips will often be included in an agency's contract, but a "service charge" is not a gratuity – it goes to the company, rather than the entertainers themselves, and you may have to tip in addition. When in doubt, always ask.
• Catering Staff: Plan to tip 15-20% of the total catering bill, to be divided among all servers and catering staff.
• Bartenders: Give at least 15-25% of the total liquor bill, given to the head bartender to be divided among his or her staff.
• Photographers, Videographers, Florists, Cake Decorators: If your photographer and other wedding vendors own their own businesses, tipping is neither required nor expected. But if they work as an employee of a company, be prepared to give $30-50 to each as a gratuity.
• Officiants: A priest, rabbi, or other religious officiant usually won't accept a tip, but it's considerate to donate at least $75-100 to their organization or place of worship. State officiants and civil employees are not allowed to receive cash tips.
• Wedding Planners: Tip at least $75-100, and up to $500.
• Chauffeurs or Limo Drivers: Plan to show your appreciation with 15-20% of the total bill.
• Valets, Restroom Attendants, Coat Check Attendants: Tip $1-2 per car (valets) or per guest, to be divided among all attendants.

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