We know you have all thought about it. It is a common thought when planning your wedding. When the day arrives, you are finalizing your payments with vendors and you think, “Should I tip them?” Well, let Scheme Events answer that question for you.
We hope that this blog will help you as much as it has helped us when we tell our brides when they ask us the question. Keep in mind that these are not rules that are made to be followed, it is simply a recommendation on how you should tip.

First of all, take a look at the invoice or bill. Some vendors may have already included a gratuity into their bills so take a look back at their contract and bill to double check. A tip is not always appropriate for professionals who own their business, but it is appreciated… even a personal note or a gift are a sign of saying thank you to the professional.
Bartenders: 10% of the total liquor bill to be split among the bartenders. However, keep in mind that many venues have a bartender fee, that is included in their packages.
Bathroom Attendants: $1-2 per guest is adequate. Here in Las Vegas it is not unusual to have a bathroom attendant when you walk into the restroom. They have all the supplies your own home bathroom has if not more! Items ranging from mints, tooth floss, a large selection of perfume to kleenex can be selected from while in the bathroom. Honestly, it’s a great amenity to have when you are in need of a little powder room touch up. Make sure if you use their products, that they are allocated for in your tip.
Catering Managers: This is not an unusual person to tip as they are the main contact for all of the wait staff the night of your reception. A $200+ tip or a personal gift is a great way to say “Thank you for all of your hard work and serving my guests and I.”
Chef: If you have a close relationship with the chef or the chef does something a little extra for you the night of your reception, a $100+ tip is great!
Coat Check Attendants: Should you be at an event with a coat check attendant or have one at your event, a $1-2 tip per guest is appropriate. As the host of the event, you are not responsible for tipping for each person, guests should know that they are the ones doing the tipping.
Hairstylist/Makeup Artist: For those of you brides that are really amazed by the beautiful work these professionals have done, tip them 15 to 20% of the total bill.
Limo or Bus Driver: Of all the tips, we recommend this one as a must as they are there to make sure you get from point A to point B safely and in a timely manner. Please tip drivers 15% of the total bill.
Musicians or DJ: Many of you might have several different musicians or entertainment at your wedding. For ceremony musicians 15% of the fee is generous. Reception musicians or entertainment a $25 to $50 tip per person is recommended. We recommend thanking your DJ with a generous tip of $100-$200.
Officiant: Approximately $50 to $100 is very generous to tip your officiant. Even though it is not required or assumed that they will get tipped, it is a great way to just say, “thank you” to them for your ceremony.
Photographer/Videographer: You generally are going to be paying them a flat fee for their services the day of your wedding with no overtime included. A $100 tip is great for your photographer and/or videographer.
Valet or Parking Attendants: Just as you would tip a valet driver in Las Vegas when they bring your car around, a $1 to $2 tip per car is perfect. Should you want to take care of the gratuity of the drivers for your guests, a gratuity of 15% of the total bill will cover the drivers.
Waiters: This is definitely something that you can add onto the final bill, however many venues have a service fee included that is distributed between the staff. If you feel a certain staff member did an outstanding job or the entire staff did a job worth tipping extra, we would recommend $20 and up per staff member. Hand these tips to the catering manager or the maitre d’.
Wedding Planner: As wedding planners, it is hard to say, “Yes, you should tip us.” However as you are paying a flat fee for the service, a 10% tip of the overall fee or a personal gift is a great way to say, “Thank you for all of your hard work and helping us plan our day.”
If you have any further questions on tipping, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]