Who to Tip at Your Destination Wedding

Your wedding day is a celebration of love and commitment, made possible by the hard work and dedication of numerous vendors and wedding professionals. As a wedding planner specializing in destination beach weddings, I often receive questions related to tipping such as, do I need to tip or who should I tip? While tipping is not mandatory, it is a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation for the exceptional service provided by those who contribute to making your special day unforgettable. Tipping etiquette for destination beach weddings can vary depending on the location and the services provided by vendors. However, here are some general guidelines to consider when tipping at a destination wedding.

The Hardest Workers

First and foremost, consider tipping the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to set up and execute your wedding. These hard working individuals often labor in extreme conditions, enduring heat, rain, and long hours to ensure every detail is perfect while setting up tents, seating, and other components. Whether it's the venue staff, catering team, or rental company employees, a generous tip can go a long way in expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Venue Staff

If your wedding venue provides exceptional service throughout the day, consider tipping the venue coordinator, servers, bartenders, and other staff members who help make your celebration run smoothly. A gratuity of 15-20% of the total bill is customary for venue staff, although it's always appreciated to tip more for exceptional service. However, you should factor in service charges, as some destination wedding venues or resorts include a service charge in the overall cost of your wedding package. This service charge is often distributed among the staff, including servers, bartenders, and other personnel. If a service charge is included, additional tipping may not be necessary, but you may still choose to tip individual staff members for exceptional service.

Other Vendors

For vendors such as photographers, DJs, and florists, tipping is typically not required but is appreciated for exceptional service. While tipping is not expected or necessary for all wedding vendors, consider showing appreciation in other ways, like expressing your gratitude verbally, with a thank you note, or leaving positive reviews on google and/or their website. Positive reviews not only acknowledge the hard work of your vendors, but also help future couples make informed decisions when selecting vendors for their own weddings. These kind, positive reviews go a long way in showing your appreciation. Personalized words of gratitude can mean just as much as a monetary tip and leave a lasting impression on those who helped bring your wedding vision to life.

Consult with Your Wedding Planner

Your wedding planner or coordinator can be a valuable resource when it comes to tipping etiquette for destination weddings. They can provide guidance on customary tipping practices in the local area and help ensure that gratuities are distributed appropriately to vendors and service providers. This can also help you plan ahead for your budget. When you partner with us, we will give you guidance if you aren’t sure who or what to tip.

Budgeting Tips

Budgeting for your destination wedding should include gratuities for key vendors and service providers. First, make a list of all the staff and vendors involved. Then decide on a budget and stick to it. It doesn’t need to be difficult though! Just calculate about 10-15% of the vendor’s cost and add that amount to your wedding budget. This will help you ensure everyone is taken care of and you have enough money saved to cover it.

It’s important to remember that it isn’t just about money; it’s about showing gratitude for someone who has gone above and beyond for you on such an important, memorable day. While destination weddings offer less stress and more time to relax and enjoy the moments, you want to make sure those who are making your dream day come to life know how much you appreciate them!

Ready to plan your destination Beach wedding? Contact us today to turn your wedding dream into a reality.