Wedding Tip Calculator

Calculate tips for wedding vendors — catering staff (15-20%), DJ, photographer, and coordinators, with included-gratuity checks.

Vendor type
Amount in US Dollar (USD)
Recommended vendor tip
$0.00

Review the contract first, then prepare labeled envelopes for any tips you plan to distribute.

Tip amount in US Dollar (USD)

How Much Should You Tip Wedding Vendors?

Wedding tips depend on the vendor: catering is commonly percentage-based, while DJs, photographers, and coordinators usually receive flat amounts. Check every contract before setting money aside.

Wedding Tipping Guide

15% / $50+
Average
18% / $75+
Standard
20% / $100+
Excellent

Wedding Tip Factors

Before preparing vendor tips, consider these factors:

  • Check contracts for included gratuity
  • Prepare cash tips in labeled envelopes
  • Assign someone to distribute tips
  • Tip at the end of the event

Wedding Vendor Tipping Etiquette

Wedding tipping varies by vendor: use a percentage for catering and flat amounts for DJs, photographers, and coordinators. Check every contract for included gratuity first.

How this wedding-vendor recommendation works

  • Catering staff: 18% standard or 20% for exceptional service
  • DJ or band: $100 standard; photographer or videographer: $200 standard
  • Coordinator: $75 standard, with higher amounts for exceptional service
  • If the contract already includes gratuity, the required additional amount is $0

Example: catering that costs $4,000 × 18% = $720, unless the contract already includes gratuity.

This is a transparent editorial model, not an official formula from any platform. You can override the recommendation in the calculator above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written and maintained by the CalculateTip.io Editorial Team. Last reviewed by the CalculateTip.io Editorial Team. Rates shown are editorial guidance based on common US practice, not official rules — local customs and platform policies vary.

Sources: Emily Post Institute tipping guidance · CalculateTip.io editorial guidance based on common US practice; local customs and platform policies vary