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.

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:

• Relaxation Gift Basket
• Necklace
• Candle
• Personalized Bag
• Chocolate Basket
• Handwritten Thank You Card
• Positive Reviews and Word of Mouth
• Offer to Be a Reference