Gratuity Tip Guide
When deciding who should receive a gratuity at your wedding, follow the standards of everyday life. If you would tip them at a salon or restaurant, you’ll tip them at a wedding. Otherwise, tipping is optional.
Check off the vendors you’ve booked, add your numbers, and we’ll build your envelope list.
Tip as you see fit
It’s not always the dollar amount that matters; often it’s the thought that makes your vendors feel appreciated. These are our suggestions, based on what we normally see vendors tipped in our area.
Cash, sealed & separate
Cash is usually the preferred method of tipping. Please place each vendor’s tip in a separate, sealed envelope.
Leave a review
Don’t forget a review or handwritten thank-you note. Your words mean the world to your vendors, and reviews help future couples book with the same peace of mind you had.
The officiant: gift or cash?
How you thank your officiant depends on who is marrying you. Cash suits a hired professional. A personal gift is usually the better choice for someone close to you.
Give a gift
$50–$200 gift
Cash can feel transactional for someone doing this out of love. Choose a meaningful keepsake, like a framed photo from the ceremony, an engraved item or a nice bottle, with a handwritten note. If they traveled, covering their travel or hotel is a thoughtful thank-you too.
Make a donation
$100–$500 donation
Many clergy members cannot accept personal tips. A donation to their church, temple or house of worship is customary, often by check made out to the congregation. Ask whether a fee is already required, and add a personal note of thanks.
Cash is welcome
$50–$100 cash
A hired officiant has already been paid a fee, so a tip is optional. If they went above and beyond with a custom ceremony or the rehearsal, a sealed envelope of cash is a nice gesture.
Your vendors
Your gratuity checklist
Add your names and wedding date to create a one-page graphic of your envelope list. Save it to your phone or send it to whoever is handing out envelopes on the day.
Creating your graphic also sends a copy of your envelope list to The Charming Details.
Your graphic will appear here.
To save: on a phone, press and hold the image and choose “Save to Photos.” On a computer, right-click it and choose “Save image as.”