10 of the Best Ways to Thank Wedding Vendors

When it comes to coordinating the perfect wedding, your vendor team is the key. Read on to learn about the best ways to say thanks.

From turning your visions into reality to answering your emails, your wedding vendors are there each step of the way to ensure that your big day is exactly as you imagined it. After so much hard work, it’s important to let your vendors know how much you appreciate their help and expertise. Here’s how to make sure that your wedding vendor team feels all the love after the special day.

Which Vendors Do I Need to Thank?

Before the big day, make a list of everyone who is a part of your team so you don’t miss anyone during the festivities or after the celebration. Here are few vendors you’ll want to show your gratitude to:

• Planner/Coordinator
• Venue manager
• Officiant
• Florist
• Stationer
• Hair/Makeup artists
• Musicians
• DJ
• Caterer/Catering staff
• Baker
• Waitstaff
• Bartenders
• Delivery/Setup personale
• Drivers/Transportation
• Venue attendants
• Bridal boutique
• Seamstress/Tailor
• Wedding Photographer/Videographer
• Additional entertainment specialists (photo booth attendant, performers, etc.)

Do All of My Wedding Vendors Get the Same Thank You?

Each vendor has a specific and integral role in creating your celebration, but not all of them require the same caliber of thanks. Here’s whom you need to tip, whom you might want to tip/gift, and which vendors will be happy with a simple thank you card and referral:

Whom to Tip:

• Hair/Makeup artists (15–25 percent of services cost)
• Delivery/Setup staff ($5–$10 per person)
• Caterer (15 to 20 percent of the food bill, if gratuity wasn’t included)
• Waitstaff ($20 per person, if gratuity wasn’t included in the contract)
• Bartenders (10 to 15 percent of the total bar tab divided, if gratuity wasn’t included)
• Officiant ($50-$100, or a nice gift if a friend/family member is officiating)
• Venue manager ($200-$400, if gratuity wasn’t included in the contract)
• Musicians ($25–$35 per musician)
• DJ ($50–$150)
• Drivers/Transportation specialists (15-20 percent of the pre-tax bill, if gratuity wasn’t included)
• Valet ($1-$2 per car)
• Venue attendants ($0.50 to $2 per guest)
• Seamstress/Tailor ($20 to $40)

Whom You Might Want to Tip/Gift:

• Planner/Coordinator (10–20 percent of their fee up to $500, or a nice gift)
• Photographer/Videographer (Owners don’t require tips; tip assistants $50 to $75)

Which Vendors Don’t Need a Tip/Cash Gift:

• Baker
• Bridal consultant/Boutique
• Florist
• Stationer

Regardless of whether or not a vendor expects a tip, consider tipping, gifting, or at least offering your sincere thanks to business owners such as bakers, florists, and stationers. Additionally, all vendors appreciate thank you notes and referrals, so be sure to send along a handwritten card after the big day.

10 Thank You Gift Ideas Your Vendors Will Love

If you’re looking for a unique way to tell your vendor thanks—outside of monetary tips—and your wedding budget allows, there are a ton of different ways to show your appreciation. Maybe you know your photographer would love a bottle of wine or your florist adores candles. Lean into a personal connection you made or opt for one of our favorite tried and true vendor thank you gifts below:

1. Relaxation Gift Basket

Just like you, your vendors put their heart and soul into creating your big day, and after pulling off a large-scale event, they deserve a little pampering and relaxing. Get them a gift card to a spa or present them with a lavender-infused gift basket, complete with a calming candle, bath scrub, cookies, and tea. They’ll appreciate the thoughtful gift of self-care after all their hard work.

2. Kate Spade Pendant Necklace

It’s hard to go wrong with a timeless, pendant necklace, and this chic design by Kate Spade is a favorite amongst both brides and vendors. Select their initial to be showcased on the simple gold pendant in this gift that will be cherished long after your I dos are done.

3. Crystal Candle

Candles are always a great way to show your thanks, and this unique Crystal Candle by JaxKelly is sure to impress your vendors. A stunning crystal is hidden in the wax, only to be exposed after the candle burns down. Select from a variety of crystals including rose quartz and moonstone depending on your vendors’ personal preferences and aesthetics.

4. Personalized Weekender Bag

One thing most vendors have in common is that oftentimes their work involves travel. If your photographer or planner is always headed to the airport and often on the go, a stylish weekender bag is a thoughtful and practical gift that anyone would love. This sleek, black canvas design by Cathy's Concepts can be personalized with an initial for a special touch, and it comes with a removable crossbody strap to make commuting a breeze.

5. Chocolate Basket

If your vendor has a sweet tooth, why not gift them some goodies to thank them for all of their hard work? A basket packed full of yummy, Belgian chocolate treats as beautiful as they are tasty will make for one very happy vendor.

6. Personalized Growler Set

Did you and your vendor bond over a love of brews? What better way to say thanks than with a personalized growler set by HomeWetBar? Have their (or their company’s) name inscribed on the side, and see if you can get a local brewery to fill it with your favorite beverage. If not, grab a six-pack of your favorite beer as a special, personal touch. If they prefer wine instead, consider a personalized decanter and a special bottle of vino instead.

7. Leather Stadium Set

Many wedding venues and large event spaces are now asking that bags be clear for safety reasons, and we can guarantee your vendors always need extra places to stash day-of essentials. This see-through, cream-colored set from Cathy's Concepts comes with both a crossbody and a matching clutch that meet standard stadium and festival size and color requirements. Bonus? It’s made with vegan leather! Fill the bags with small goodies and notes to make them smile.

8. Handwritten Thank You Card

Classic, personal, and heartfelt, nothing says thank you like a handwritten card. Not only is sending a handwritten thank you note with a photo from your big day thoughtful, but it gives your vendors the chance to showcase their real wedding work and show potential clients your testimonial. A simple template you can follow is, “Dear [vendor’s name], thank you for being such an important part of our wedding day.” Continue by mentioning a specific part of their work that you loved. Include some wedding photos, if possible, and mail or drop off in person.

9. Positive Reviews and Word of Mouth

One of the best ways to thank a vendor is by giving them positive online reviews. Leave a post on Google, Yelp, and rate them on Zola to let others planning their wedding just how wonderful they were to work with. Be as specific as possible when talking about working with them. Meanwhile, share positive word of mouth with friends, family, and those you know who are now planning their weddings.

10. Offer to Be a Reference

Likewise, offer to write a glowing review that your vendor can use as a reference on their website and in their portfolio. Doing so will help them gain future business—the best kind of thank you a previous client can offer.

From planners, to caterers, to photographers and more, it’s your vendors’ expertise that helps pull of your dream day. For more advice and expert tips on working with vendors, click here. You’ll find everything from questions you should ask before booking to contract help.