Wedding Tipping Etiquette

There are rules of etiquette when it comes to tipping for wedding services. The person that provides the service should be tipped over and above the fee for the service.

Gratuity means you are grateful to the person that performs a service for you. It is a way to say "thank you" for a job well done. On the other hand, if the job is not well done or a large problem arises that is not straightened out, there should not be a tip or it should be greatly reduced in value. The thing to remember is that the tip is often the way the server earns their living.

There are some guidelines that will help you decide who to tip and who should pay the tip. This article will guide you through the proper way to handle the payment of gratuities to those who serve you at your wedding celebration.

Who Do You Tip?

This is the first question to be answered. One way to find the answer is by looking at the final bill. Most often the tip can be applied to the bill.

An example would be for a large party dining at a restaurant. Most restaurants will automatically add the gratuity to the bill. It is important to understand that this may not be the proper amount to tip. If it is to high pay less than the restaurant adds to the bill. However, if you feel like the person serving you went over and above his duties you may want to show your gratitude by paying a larger tip.

What Services are Tipped and How Much?

There are a variety of services that should be tipped. This is a list of things to consider when you are paying for various wedding services:

1. Some of the services that would include the gratuity to the final bill automatically would be caterers, waiters, bridal consultants, bartenders and banquet managers. If the service is above average the gratuity added should be about 15% of the bill. If the service is not spectacular then don't worry about it. Remember you are already paying a gratuity in the final bill.
2. Limousine Driver. Read your contract and determine whether or not the gratuity is added to the bill. If not, pay a 15% tip to the driver. If the gratuity is added and you feel like he did more than he had to do for you, it is proper to give a bigger tip.
3. 15-20% gratuity is the standard for florists, photographers and musicians. Bigger tips should be given for good service especially if it is not automatically added to the final bill.
4. The gratuity that must not be overlooked is that of the Priest, Rabbi or Clergyman. The groom is responsible for giving the tip to his best man to give to the official.  This gratuity should never be less than $100. It is technically a donation but it should never be forgotten. If the person officiating the wedding had to drive a long distance the gratuity should be more.
5. Civil Service providers should be given a 50 to 100 dollar gratuity. The office will often post a suggestion donation since there is no set fee.
6. Musicians or organists sometimes have a service contract with a gratuity automatically added. If the church is rented for the wedding celebration the gratuity may be added into that contract. If there is no automatic gratuity added in the contract the standard tip percentage could be anywhere from 40 to $75 dollars. The amount depends on the quality and amount of service that the musician has provided.

Proper etiquette is very important in remembering the gratuities for those that help make your wedding a day to remember. The gratuity shows your appreciation for their hard work and attention to the details of this once in a lifetime celebration. If the groom is not going to be able to remember to take care of the gratuities then his best man should step in and make sure it is done.