Wedding Vendor Tip Calculator (DJ, Photographer and More)
Enter each vendor’s fee to see a suggested tip and your total.
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Wedding Vendor Tip Calculator (DJ, Photographer and More) by TheCalcTools
How the Wedding Vendor Tip Calculator (DJ, Photographer and More) works
Enter the fee or bill for each vendor you are hiring. Leave unused vendors at 0.
The calculator applies common wedding etiquette rates: 10% for DJ, photographer, videographer and planner, 20% for hair and makeup, 15% for catering staff, bartenders and drivers.
Choose a modest, standard or generous level.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| DJ or band fee | $1500 |
|---|---|
| Photographer fee | $3000 |
| Videographer fee | $2000 |
| Planner or coordinator fee | $2500 |
| Hair and makeup fee | $600 |
| Catering bill (if no service charge) | $8000 |
| Bar bill or bartender fee | $2500 |
| Driver or transport fee | $600 |
| Tipping level | Standard |
- DJ $1,500 × 10% = $150. Photographer $3,000 × 10% = $300. Hair and makeup $600 × 20% = $120.
- All vendors: total tips $2,685, 13.0% of fees.
Result:
| DJ or band (10%) | $150 |
|---|---|
| Photographer (10%) | $300 |
| Videographer (10%) | $200 |
| Planner (10%) | $250 |
| Hair and makeup (20%) | $120 |
| Catering staff (15%) | $1,200 |
| Bartenders (15%) | $375 |
| Drivers (15%) | $90 |
| Total tips | $2,685 |
| Tips as a share of all fees | 13.0% |
Frequently asked questions
Do I tip every vendor?
No. Tips are optional and customs vary. Check your contract first, because many caterers and venues already add a service charge or gratuity.
Who should I tip first?
Vendors who work long hours on the day, such as catering staff, bartenders, drivers and hair and makeup artists, are usually tipped. Owners are often not expected to be tipped.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.