Are you supposed to tip the wedding band? What about the photographer?

Question

I am getting married in a few months and we are trying to finalize our budget. We cannot seem to get straight answers on these two vendors.

If we are to tip the band how much per piece? We have seen a range of $20-$100 a piece. That is a huge difference. We are getting an 11 piece band. We don't mind paying the $100 a piece tip but not if it is way over what is customary. It isn't that we are cheap....we just don't want to be irrational or tacky.

And how much if anything do you tip a photographer? Again....there are no straight answers anywhere.

Answer 1

Yes, you should tip everyone; if they did a good job.
I tipped my photographer $100 and $50 to each DJ (2 were there).
I am not sure about a 11 piece band, that is a lot of people to tip but I would probably do is give $30 each per person, give a envelope with $330 to the head band member and let him divide it between them.

Answer 2

Members of the band should be tipped about $20 - $25 per person.

If the photographer is the OWNER and sole employee of the company, then there is no reason to tip at all . . unless he/she has gone "above and beyond the call of duty" ($100 gratuity).

If the photographer works for a photography company, and he is just an employee of that company, than a 10 - 15% percent gratuity should be given to him/her.

If the photographer brought a helper then each helper should be given $20.

Gratuities should be put in an envelope with a thank you note signed by the Bride and Groom (this is something that can be done weeks before the weddding).

And, yes, you should provide some type of meal for the vendors. Most hotels, banquet halls, and catering companies will provide a snack tray or a sandwich tray and sodas for videographers, photographers, and musicians.

Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant

Answer 3

We paid for the meals for our DJs (2) and the photographer and his wife (who was assisting). I did not specifically tip the DJs, but I told them to leave a half hour early and paid them for that half hour. I did not tip the photographer because we were already paying him a big amount and knew that he was going to get even more from us and other people because he was selling prints from our wedding on his website. I think it is silly to tip when you are paying a large amount already. If someone goes "above and beyond" an average service, I suppose you could tip as a special reward, but I don't think they expect that in this case.

Answer 4

My friend Nikki is a photographer, and my husband is a musician. Here's what I got from them:

Nikki doesn't expect a tip, but it's always appreciated. She figures her time both on the wedding day and at her computer screen into the actual price she charges.

Hubby says "it depends on how much you're paying the band". There's a lot of work involved to pack up, haul in, setup, sound check, entertain (possibly into extended time- that's common at wedding receptions), and then to tear down, haul out, pack up, and haul in again once they get home. Not to mention the wear-and-tear on their instruments (new strings, new drumsticks, etc). And don't forget about practice time, or how nicely they try to fill audience requests! Knowing they've got to split what you base-pay them, if they're making less than $100 a piece, they're underpaid. (and that's whether they knock your socks off or not!). If they do knock your socks off, $30 tip a piece is plenty (assuming they're already being paid at least $100 each).

Good luck, and congrats!

Answer 5

The band, yes. Just like they have a tip jar out. I don't think you have to do the photographer, but they still have to develop, re touch and deliver the finished product. I would totally grease his palm to keep him/her happy.

Answer 6

If you are hiring them - i.e. paying a set price for services, usually with a contract, I don't see any requirement to tip. Make sure you pay them on time. If you're pleased with the services you receive and feel they went beyond their contract, go ahead.

Answer 7

Well I don't think being concerned about the budget makes you cheap, I mean you are already paying the people. But I think $100 is excessive, $50 seems more reasonable.

Answer 8

Instead of asking them, ask other people in your area who have gotten married recently. Just like you realize it would be tacky to not tip or not tip enough, it would be tacky of them to give you a dollar amount.

Answer 9

if they are paid for their services and do a great job and you think and afford it yes.