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Q. Do I need to tip my wedding vendors? How much should I tip them?
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A. As with any other service you've received in your life, tipping your wedding vendors rests on if you think they've done a service above and beyond their duties. In some cases, as with your catering or venue staff, gratuity is automatically included in your final bill. In other cases, a little bit extra might be appropriate. Ask the best man or maid of honor to be in charge of paying out the tips, and follow this guide:
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Hair and makeup artists: 15 to 25 percent, given at the end of your service.
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Officiant: If you’re getting married in a house of worship, donate to the church or synagogue. If you’re hiring an officiant separately, no tip is mandatory.
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Ceremony musicians: $15–20 per musician, paid at the end of the ceremony.
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Photographer/videographer: If the vendor owns his or her own studio, no tip is necessary because they earn all the profit. If they do not own the studio, $50 to $200 is appropriate, given at the end of the reception.
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DJ or Band: It’s optional, but preferred to tip the musicians at the end of the reception, especially if they really made your party a hit. For a band, tip approximately $25 per musician and anywhere from $50 to $200 for a DJ.
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Transportation: A tip might be included in the contract, but if it isn’t, tip the driver 15 to 20 percent of the total bill at the end of the last ride.
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