Tips on tipping your vendors

No one ever expects a gratuity but they are a nice gesture if you want to recognize someone for doing an exceptionally good job, and they’re especially nice if the vendor went above and beyond what you negotiated.

Since gratuities are optional, there’s no rule of thumb on how much they should be; they can range anywhere from 5 to 20 percent or $25-$2000. it can even can take the form of a thank-you gift, such as a gift certificate for a massage or a nice bottle of wine. Consider the overall budget of your wedding, how much the vendor exceeded your expectations, and what amount you would be excited to get if you were them. If you decide to give a gratuity in monetary value, it's always appreciated if you give gratuities in cash or in the currency where you are getting married vs a check. Cash is more personal and the vendor is not then taxed on it ( which is 30% of the tip amount- going to uncle sam).



If you do choose to give a gratuity, be sure to specify whom it is for. You might want it all to go to the owner of the catering business because they didn't charge overtime for their bartender or worked exceptionally hard at getting you items that were out of season or incorporated an old family recipe, or you might want it to be divided among the wait staff but with an extra $20 for the server who ran to the store to pick up ice. For the catering staff, check your contract first to see if your fee includes a service charge, which could be 15 to 20 percent. If it does, find out from the sales manager if it goes toward staff gratuities, or if it’s just going to the office. If it does go to the event staff, no extra tip is necessary.

If you’re feeling simultaneously appreciative and strapped for cash, writing a nice thank-you note to vendors can reiterate how happy you were with their services, and they can use it in their portfolio or on their Web site.