Recommended Tip
$175
Low
$50
High
$300
Of Cost
5.8%
Recommended Tip
$175
5.8% of vendor cost
Low End
$50
High End
$300
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Inputs
Result
Photographer: 0–10% or $50–$200 flat. $3,000 × 0–10% = $0–$300. Max of (pct range, flat range). Good service × 1.0. Recommended midpoint: $150.
Inputs
Result
Caterer: 15–20% of $5,000 = $750–$1,000 base. Exceptional × 1.3 = $975–$1,300. 4 staff. Midpoint: $1,138.
Wedding photographers are typically tipped 0–10% of their fee or a flat $50–$200. For a $3,000 photographer, tip $0–$300. Tipping is not mandatory for business owners, but tip $50–$100 per assistant. For exceptional service, 10% or $200–$300 is generous.
| Vendor Cost | Standard Tip | Good Service | Exceptional |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $0–$100 | $100–$150 | $150–$200 |
| $3,000 | $0–$150 | $150–$225 | $225–$300 |
| $5,000 | $0–$250 | $250–$375 | $375–$500 |
Wedding DJs are typically tipped 10–15% of their fee. For a $1,500 DJ, tip $150–$225. DJs work long hours (often 5–6 hours at the venue) and their performance directly impacts the reception energy. A flat $50–$150 is the minimum.
Tip catering staff 15–20% of the total catering bill. For a $5,000 catering bill, tip $750–$1,000 to be split among the team. Many caterers include an automatic service charge (18–22%) — check your contract before adding a tip on top.
Prepare tip envelopes before the wedding day and assign a trusted person (best man, maid of honor, or wedding coordinator) to distribute them. Photographers and DJs get tipped at the end of the reception. Hair/makeup artists get tipped after the morning session. Delivery-only vendors (florist, baker) are tipped on delivery.
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
Full wedding budget planner
Rehearsal dinner budget
Wedding day schedule
Explore all our free event planning and utility tools
Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.