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How Much to Tip and to What Vendor?

 Getting money out of a wallet for a tip

Weddings tend to be expensive, especially when hiring specialists like limousine drivers and caterers.  No doubt.  What follows are two common questions with my answers about tipping.  How much and for whom?   

Dear Polite One,

Which vendors do I tip and how much? Can I tip them later?

Reluctant Tipper

Dear Reluctant Tipper,

Some do expect a 15% tip, such as a caterer and waitstaff, delivery truck and limousine driver, and bartender.  But most are not tipped unless they provided an unexpected, special service beyond what they agreed to in the contract.  Note, the tip should be paid at the time of service. 

Dear Polite One,

Should we tip our wedding vendors? And if so, how much and who exactly (like the church organist, the officiant, etc.?) My fiancé says that it seems crazy since we're already paying so much for their services.  At the same time, I know they're working really hard and I don't want us to seem impolite.

Tipped

Dear Tipped,

Tipping has become quite an issue these days.  After all, vendors are being paid well for their services already.  But some tipping has become the norm and expected by some.  We typically tip the caterer and servers 15%-20% of the food and drink bill.  Bartenders are usually tipped 10%-15%.  Limousine drivers are tipped 15%-20%.  And if the musicians are amazing (organist included), an extra $20 is a good tip.  Now, all these figures are typical but also optional.  The officiate is invited to the reception, so that is his/her tip. 

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