Lucia Paul Design:  “Am I supposed to tip my DJ?” This is a question that we receive time after time, along with the photographer, musicians and the rest of the service providers that are making your event special.

Now we understand that by the time the end of the event rolls around, money is getting tighter and the desire to spread the wealth has pretty much disappeared. However, we always try to make our brides and corporate clients understand that a tip to those of us in the service business is like a performance based bonus in their job. We don’t count on it but it is always greatly appreciated.

Because we know that we do this for a living but most of you don’t, we wanted to give a few tips on who and how to tip the people who have made your event awesome. Please remember that these numbers are simply a guideline.

Caterer/Banquet Manager
15% to 20% (usually included in contract, however, if the caterer or manager has done an exceptional job, an additional $1.00 – $2.00 per guest is suggested.)

Waitstaff
15% to 20% (usually included in contract, however, if it is not included, the tip should be given to the maitre d’ or head waiter along with an additional 1% – 2%.)

Bartenders
15% to 20% (if the bartender is not accepting tips from guests, an additional 10% is suggested, but not required.)

Limousine Drivers
15% to 20%

DJ’s
15% – 20% (gratuity is not usually expected, however, remember that this is a person that can truly make or break your event.)

Bands
$25.00 per band member (gratuity is not usually expected, however, remember that this is a person that can truly make or break your event.)

Photographer and Videographers
15%-20%

Florists
15% (gratuity is not usually required, however, if you feel he/she has done an exceptional job or has provided extra or special services, a tip is a wonderful gesture.)

Bakers
15% (gratuity is not usually required, however, if you feel he/she has done an exceptional job or has provided extra or special services, a tip is a wonderful gesture.)

Restroom and Coat Check Personnel
$0.50 – $1.00 per guest (if not accepting gratuity from guests, the host would be responsible for tipping personnel at the end of the event.)

Parking Attendants
$1.00 – $2.00 per car (if not accepting gratuity from guests, the host would be responsible for tipping parking attendants at the end of the event.)

Officiants
$75.00 – $100 .00 (Note: It is appropriate for a clergy member (priest, rabbi, minister, etc.) to accept gratuities or a donation along with their regular fee (if any), however, civil officiants (judges, clerks, etc.) receive a flat fee and are usually not allowed to accept gratuities.)

Ceremony Staff
$35.00 – $75.00 is suggested for organists/musicians. $5.00 – $25.00 is suggested for altar boys etc. (gratuity is not usually required, however, if fees for the above are not included in the ceremony site fees, the suggestions above are appropriate.)

Wedding Planners / Coordinators
10% – 20% (gratuity is not usually required, although, for something better than usual to exceptional a 10-20% tip is not unheard of.)

We hope this helps!

Lucia Paul Designs is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.