The Essential Checklist: Which Vendors to Tip for a Vow Renewal and How Much

Your Guide to Smart Vow Renewal Tipping

One of the most important and often overlooked details when planning a vow renewal is who to tip and how much. You know you should tip at a restaurant, your hair salon, and when taking a taxi, but did you know you should tip vendors for your vow renewal, too?

Knowing which wedding vendors to tip and the amount can be confusing. This article will provide an overview of which vendors typically receive tips and how much should be given for each service. By understanding the expectations of tipping, couples can take away any guesswork from their vow renewal planning process.

First off, before your vow renewal date gets close, look at your vendor’s contracts to see if gratuity is included. You might see a line for this from your caterer and bartender, but most other vendors don’t have tips in their fees. Familiarize yourself with who does and doesn’t include tips, then get ready to head to the bank to pick up some cash. Assuming none of your vow renewal vendors include gratuity in their fees, here is the ultimate list of who gets a tip (and exactly how much).

Vow Renewal Planner, Baker, Stationer, and Florist

Gathering the right professionals is key for couples looking to celebrate their love and commitment with a vow renewal. From planners, bakers & stationers to florists, these professionals can help create a special day that will be remembered for years to come. As business owners, these pros won’t be expecting a tip. However, it is a thoughtful way of expressing gratitude if you felt the service was exceptional, loved their work, or thought they went above and beyond. Consider putting a thank-you card along with cash or a check in the mail after the vow renewal (especially because your planner is the only one of these vendors you’ll probably see on your vow renewal day).

If your planner brought an assistant who did great work, send a tip for them as well. The value of an assistant can never be overstated. They help planners with tedious tasks that would otherwise take up a lot of time and energy. Show your appreciation for their hard work by sending them a tip. Anywhere from $50 to $150 is appropriate for a planner’s assistant, with the higher amounts for one who went above and beyond their duties.

Officiant

It’s important to show your appreciation for your officiant. If your officiant is a clergy member, you can’t directly tip them, but you can make an additional donation to the house of worship in their name. For non-clergy officiants, it’s customary to give a tip of around $50 for their services.

Hair and Makeup

When it comes to salon services, tipping 20% of the cost of the service is considered customary. This kind gesture expresses gratitude for your attendant’s hard work and can also be a great way to show support for the small business they are working in. If you are paying for all of your attendant’s services, You may provide this tip yourself. Or, if you are dividing up the total among them, include a tip in the total that they each owe so they can make sure to have enough cash on hand.

Photographer and Videographer

Typically, it is unnecessary to tip the company owner (which vow renewal photographers often are), though you could tip $100 or more if you feel inclined. If an assistant was present at the photo shoot, it is recommended that you show your appreciation by tipping them  $50 to $75.

Musicians

Music plays an integral role in any vow renewal. Whether you hire live musicians or a DJ, it is important to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Gratuity is often not included in the contract, so it is important for couples to remember to tip between $25 and $50 per person – including the sound guy! Showing your gratitude with a tip will ensure that your special day runs smoothly and perfectly.

Caterer and Waitstaff

When it comes to catered events and having waitstaff, a gratuity or service fee is often included in the total bill. However, if you would like to show your appreciation for their hard work and excellent service, a gratuity of $10 to $20 per person is a kind gesture. Unlike at a restaurant where your server may rely on tips for their income, this extra money goes towards thanking the catering staff and waitstaff for ensuring that your event runs smoothly.

Bartenders

Bartending services add a special touch to any event. Not only do they provide delicious drinks and cocktails, but they can also make the event more enjoyable for guests. To show your appreciation for their hard work, it is important to tip your bartender. Gratuity is often included in the caterer’s package, or if you hired them separately, it is customary to give 10-15% of the pre-tax bar bill, to be split between the evening’s bartenders as a tip. If you are tipping your bartenders, make sure they aren’t also accepting tips from your guests.

Catering/Banquet Manager

For couples who are planning a vow renewal in a hotel or established venue, you may work directly with a catering or banquet manager throughout the process. The catering or banquet manager can be an invaluable resource. Not only can they provide expertise on menu and budgeting options, but they can also help ensure your celebration is flawless. If they are not also serving as your event coordinator, it is customary to tip the catering or banquet manager $250–$500 as a sign of appreciation for their hard work.

Chauffeurs or Drivers

While many organizations include gratuity on their invoices, some do not. If your contract does not cover gratuity, a good rule of thumb is to aim for 15-20 percent of the pre-tax bill as a gesture of gratitude.

Valet Attendants

Valet parking is a great way to show your guests that you care about their comfort and convenience. However, it’s important to remember that you should cover the gratuity for the valet staff yourself. A small tip of $1-$2 per car goes a long way and helps ensure that your guests receive the best service possible. In addition, placing a sign at the valet station notifying guests that the gratuity has been taken care of.

Restroom and Coat Check Attendants

Tipping restroom and coat check attendants is a great way to show your appreciation for their services. Calculating the amount you should give can be tricky, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Typically, it’s recommended to calculate anywhere from $0.50 to $2 per guest when tipping these attendants. Additionally, it’s important to make sure your guests know that gratuity has been covered so they don’t feel obligated to hand out extra tips.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the vendor tipping process can seem overwhelming, especially when there is no set standard for how much to tip. The amount that you tip should depend on the service provided and your budget. It’s also important to consider local tipping customs or traditions when deciding how much to tip each vendor. Before you make any decisions, it is best to confirm with each vendor what kind of gratuity is expected, if any. By providing generous tips, you can ensure that everyone who helps make your big day special feels appreciated. Most importantly, don’t forget to say thank you to all of your vow renewal vendors. It’s the best way to show your gratitude!