Tipping is one of the most common questions we get in the final weeks before a wedding, and one of the least consistently answered anywhere online. Here’s how we walk our own couples through it.

The Short Version

Tipping wedding vendors isn’t mandatory the way a restaurant tip is, but it is customary in South Carolina for vendors who work your actual wedding day — and it’s worth budgeting for from the start rather than figuring it out the week of.

Who’s Typically Tipped, and How Much

Catering staff and bartenders: Often 15–20%, though check your contract first — many caterers already build gratuity into the invoice, and double-tipping is unnecessary.

Delivery and setup crews (florals, rentals, cake): $20–$50 per person is standard, handed to the crew lead at delivery or setup.

Hair and makeup artists: 15–20%, similar to a salon visit.

DJ or band: $50–$150 per person, more for a full band than a solo DJ.

Photographer and videographer: Tipping is appreciated but far less standard, especially if they own the business. A thoughtful note or a strong review often means more than cash here.

Wedding planner or coordinator: Also optional and not expected — many planners, us included, are simply glad to see the day go well. If you’d like to tip, $100–$300 is a reasonable range for a lead coordinator.

How to Actually Hand It Out

The easiest system we’ve seen work: put cash in labeled envelopes the week before, and give the stack to a parent, your coordinator, or a trusted member of the wedding party to distribute on the day. Nobody in the wedding party should be doing math or making a bank run the morning of.

What If the Budget’s Tight

Tip what you can, where it matters most to you, and don’t feel obligated to tip every vendor at the same rate. A heartfelt note goes further than people expect, especially for the vendors — like most planners — who aren’t anticipating a tip in the first place.

If you’re still building out your full wedding budget, our wedding planning and coordinating packages include this kind of week-of logistics planning, so nothing gets left for the morning of.

Want a second opinion on your specific vendor lineup? Reach out — we’re happy to help you think through it.