How much tip should a good bride tip if a good bride could tip good?

It is of course expected that wedding vendors will do a great job of decorating, catering, entertaining, and just about anything that ends with an ‘ing’. While the bride is the center of attention, and enhances the beautiful occasion, it’s the vendors that pull everything together. So that poses the question: to tip or not to tip?

Tipping has always been the icing on top of the cake after great service has been received; hence tipping your cake decorator can only make your cake taste sweeter. When trying to figure out how much to tip refer to this guide (and your budget) for your answers. Remember tips are a bonus for a job well done, not a requirement!

· Always tip in cash. Cash Talk, bounced checks embarrass.

· Include a thank you card with the tip. Its good etiquette, and personalizes the relationship

· Tips should be given right before the vendor leaves the wedding

· Do not feel obligated to tip, and note that 10-15% is the normal amount, but $150 is the maximum regardless of how much the bill was.

· Business owners typically do not receive tips even if they are the ones providing the service. Reserve your cash for the workers and employees.

· Make sure to double check your vendor contract to see if gratuities are already included, some times they are!

· Designate a person to tip the vendors( like the best man, or maid of honor) so that you are not tracking down vendors during your ceremony.

Who to tip and how much?

Delivery Drivers: tipping the delivery driver $5- $10 is standard

Caterer- 15% - 20%

Waiters and Waitresses- $15 of the total bill

Valet Parking Attendants- $0.50-$1.00 per car

Stylist and Make-Up Artists- 15%- 20% if you go to the salon; if the stylist comes to you, tip them at your discretion. Figure about $3-$5 for each assistant that helps with shampooing

Bartender- 10% of total bill

Alter Boys and Girls- May be given $10 each

DJ and musicians- For employees of an entertainment company, $25 to $50 is standard

Photographers, Florist, Wedding Coordinators and videographer-: $50-$100, if they’re working for a company

Officiants: Generally do not accept tips, however might be willing to accept a donation to their house of worship, or organization on their behalf. A typical tip is between $50- $100.

Coat checkers: $1-$2 per guest which they will share.

Tipping vendors is not as complicated as it sounds, but if cash just isn’t an option, opt in for a nice bouquet of flowers, or a print from the photographer showing the vendor in action!

-S.K.