Vow Renewal Vendor Tipping Guide: Who to Tip and How Much

The Essential Checklist: Which Vendors to Tip for a Vow Renewal and How Much

When planning a vow renewal, it’s easy to focus on the big details like venues and decorations, but don’t forget the small yet important matter of tipping your vendors. Tipping shows your appreciation for their hard work and helps ensure everyone feels valued. But knowing who to tip and how much can be confusing.

Let’s clear up any uncertainties with this detailed guide, so you can approach your vow renewal tipping with confidence.

Step 1: Start by Checking Contracts

Before you decide who to tip, always check your vendor contracts. Some vendors, like caterers and bartenders, may include a service charge or gratuity in the final bill. If gratuity is already covered, there’s no need to tip extra (unless you feel they went above and beyond).

• Pro Tip: Keep a list of which vendors include gratuity in their fees so you don’t accidentally double tip.

Step 2: Prepare Cash Tips Ahead of Time

For vendors not including gratuity in their contracts, prepare cash tips ahead of time. Put the tips in envelopes, label each one with the vendor’s name, and designate someone trustworthy to distribute them during or after the event (like your planner or best man/woman).

• Pro Tip: Keep some extra small bills on hand in case you need to tip someone unexpected, such as a last-minute helper.

Step 3: Who to Tip and How Much

Here’s a detailed breakdown of vow renewal vendors and their recommended tips:

1. Vow Renewal Planner

• • Tip: Generally, vow renewal planners don’t expect tips, but if they’ve done an exceptional job or gone above and beyond, consider sending a thank-you card with a tip (around $100–$500).
  • Planner’s Assistant: If the planner has an assistant who played a key role, tip them $50–$150, depending on their involvement.

2. Officiant

• • Clergy Member: It’s inappropriate to tip directly, but you can make a donation to their place of worship in their name.
  • Non-Clergy Officiant: It’s customary to tip $50–$100.

3. Hair and Makeup Artists

• • Tip: A 20% tip of the total service cost is standard. If you’re covering your attendants’ services, factor in the tip to the final cost.
  • Example: If your total hair and makeup cost is $200, a 20% tip means you should give $40.

4. Photographer and Videographer

• • Business Owner: It’s not mandatory to tip the company owner, but if they did an outstanding job, tipping $100–$300 is a kind gesture.
  • Assistant: If an assistant was present, they should receive $50–$75.

5. Musicians and DJs

• • Tip: For live musicians or DJs, tip each person $25–$50. If they did something extra special, you might want to tip more.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t forget the sound engineer if you have one—they deserve the same tip as the other musicians.

6. Catering Staff and Waitstaff

• • Included in the contract: If gratuity is already included, you don’t need to tip.
  • Not included: If gratuity isn’t part of the package, tip each server $10–$20.
  • Example: For a catered event with 10 servers, you’d prepare $100–$200 total for tips.

7. Bartenders

• • Included in contract: Check if bartenders are covered under the catering gratuity.
  • Not included: Tip 10–15% of the total bar bill, split between all bartenders.
  • Important: If you’re tipping your bartenders, ensure they’re not accepting tips from guests to avoid confusion.

8. Catering/Banquet Manager

• • Tip: If your banquet or catering manager played a significant role in coordinating your event, tip them $250–$500.
  • Example: A more intimate event may warrant a $250 tip, while larger events with extensive coordination might call for $500.

9. Chauffeurs or Drivers

• • Tip: If gratuity isn’t included, tip 15–20% of the total transportation bill.
  • Example: For a $500 car service, aim for a $75–$100 tip.

10. Valet Attendants

• • Tip: Valet parking is a nice touch for guests, but don’t forget to cover the tips yourself. Tip the attendants $1–$2 per car.
  • Pro Tip: Put up a small sign letting guests know that gratuity is covered to avoid any awkward moments.

11. Restroom and Coat Check Attendants

• • Tip: As with valet services, inform guests that gratuity has been covered to avoid any confusion. Calculate $0.50–$2 per guest for these attendants.
  • Example: If you have 100 guests, prepare $50–$200 for tipping these attendants.
  • Pro Tip: As with valet services, put up a small sign letting guests know that gratuity is covered to avoid any awkward moments.

Step 4: How to Manage Tipping on the Day

You’ll want to ensure tipping runs smoothly on the day of your vow renewal. Here’s how to do it:

1. Appoint a Tipping Coordinator: Assign someone responsible (like your best man, maid of honor, or planner) to hand out the tips on your behalf.
2. Prepare Early: A day or two before the event, put all tips in envelopes, label them clearly with the vendor’s name, and give them to your coordinator.
3. Follow Up with Thank You Notes: After the vow renewal, follow up with a thank-you note to vendors who went above and beyond. It’s a simple but heartfelt way to show your appreciation.

Final Notes: Making Vendor Tipping Simple and Stress-Free

Tipping doesn’t need to be a source of stress during your vow renewal planning. By preparing early and knowing the right amounts for each vendor, you can ensure that everyone who contributes to your special day feels valued and appreciated.

• Key Takeaways:
  • Always check contracts for included gratuity.
  • Prepare cash tips in advance.
  • Be ready to reward excellent service generously.

Following this checklist will allow you to focus on enjoying your vow renewal, knowing that all the details—including tipping—are taken care of.