To Tip or Not to Tip....?

Although some vendors will include gratuities in their bills - tipping is usually optional.  Be sure to read contracts and bills carefully!  A tip isn't always appropriate either, especially for professionals who own their own businesses.  Instead, a personal note or gift is always appreciated.  AND there's nothing better than referrals and good word-of-mouth.

However, if you are thinking of tipping, here are some guidelines to help you:

Bartenders:  10% of total liquor bill (this is split among them)
Bathroom Attendants:  $1-2/per guest
Catering Manager:  $200+ OR a personal gift
Chef:  $100+
Coat Check Attendants:  $1-2/per guest
Hairstylist:  15-20%
Hotel Chambermaids:  $2-5/per room; $10-15 if you used a suite to get dressed in
Limo/Bus Drivers:  15%
Maitre d' or Head Waiter:  1-3% of food/beverage fee
Make-up Artist:  15-20% (unless the same person does your hair and make-up)
Musicians:  15% of fee for ceremony music; $25-50/per musician for reception
Photographer/Videographer:  $100 - if you paid a flat fee without over time (otherwise a note or personal gift)
Valet/Parking Attendants:  $1-2/per car
Waiters:  $20+/each (this is usually distributed by the Catering Manager or Maitre d')
Wedding Planner:  15% of fee OR a personal gift

Again, these are JUST guidelines - so, don't feel badly if you don't tip everyone or tip everyone these exact amounts.  You may decide to add/subtract based on the quality of the service, the size of your wedding, the location, the role played by a particular vendor, etc.

Gardner Photography & Design does NOT include any sort of gratuities or extra/hidden fees in our contracts.  Instead of tips, we would love for you to post positive reviews of us and tell everyone you know about your fabulous experience with us!  That's the best tip or gift we could ever receive - there's nothing better than you raving about us and remembering us for all your photographic needs.  (Pssst.....we reward you if your referrals book, too....)