Tipping at Destination Weddings – Who & How Much to Tip

If you’re wondering how much to tip at destination weddings, you’ve come to the right place! 

I’ll get straight to the point – tipping at destinations is a hot topic amongst brides. You’re already paying what feels like so much as a part of your wedding package – and if you’re at an all-inclusive resort, tips are generally included, right?

Yes, but!

Destination weddings are different. You’re receiving a personalized service for the destination wedding of your dreams. And most times your wedding coordinator, event staff, and vendors go above and beyond to turn your dreams into a reality. To me, that’s worthy of tipping to show your appreciation! 

So if you’re not sure how much to tip and who to tip at your destination wedding, let’s get rolling!

For the sake of ease, and given most destination weddings are charged in USD, I am basing this guide on a US calculation (sorry, Canadians, I feel your pain on that currency exchange – I’m one too!). Feel free to tip in local currency if that’s easier for you, but US is generally accepted.

From above of rows of light beige envelopes by white and pink delicate roses on stems with dark green leaves in daylight

Who to Tip and How Much to Tip at Destination Weddings

This is my best estimate of tipping for destination weddings, and it’s not just based on my experience!

In my decade of being involved in destination wedding planning, this is based on surveying thousands of brides. Remember that tips are subjective, and you definitely shouldn’t feel obligated to tip. Tip based on the level of service you receive!

Tipping will also depend on how elaborate your wedding is. Is it just the two of you or a small intimate group? Or do you have 100+ guests? Details can impact how much you tip.

How Much to Tip your Destination Wedding Coordinator

The average amount of tipping a destination wedding coordinator ranges anywhere from $100-$200.

Of course, this is entirely subjective! Give based on the level of service you receive, and what you can afford. Many couples have months and months of correspondence leading up to the wedding, whereas others (like me!) didn’t hear from my coordinator until 2 weeks before our wedding.

You may also have multiple wedding coordinators, so take this tipping guide with a grain of salt and adjust as necessary. I would suggest waiting until after your wedding to determine this. And of course, reviews are also worth their weight in gold!

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at the beach

Tipping Vendors at Destination Weddings

In general, many couples tip between 10-20% of the total bill for their vendors. This can either be based on the total bill and divided amongst the staff, or given to each individual person. Situations will vary and either way are commonly done!

  • Makeup Artist: Usually 20% of the total bil. it’s recommended to tip the captain if there is a team, then they can disperse tips amongst themselves. It really does depend on how many hair and makeup services are being done, the quality of the work, and how many people are in the bridal party.
  • Photographer & Videographer: $100-$300 for the main photographer and videographer and $50-$150 for assistants. If you hire your resort photographer, they will likely not see any of the money you’ve paid for the package!
  • Officiant: $25-$100. This will vary depending on if they’ve travelled with you, are included as part of your package, and how much time they’ve spent with you prior to your wedding.
  • DJ: $50-$250
  • Musician/Entertainment: $25-$50 for each musician for the ceremony and $50-$100 for cocktail hour and reception. 
  • Bartenders: $50 each unless there is a tip jar – then judge based on your discretion.
  • Wait staff/servers: $20 each – I would recommend tipping the team captain to disperse – especially if there are a lot of staff – it can be hard to keep track!
  • Floral & Decor: $25-$50 each person involved for setup and teardown, but of course this can depend on how extravagant your designs are.
  • Specialty cake: $20 (if you have a local baker bring a cake in)
  • Contracted wedding event planner (who isn’t your resort wedding coordinator, if you hire one): 10% of the total contract (on average around $200+)
  • Photo booth: $25-$40 each person

Remember – there is no right or wrong way to tip! I’ll repeat it – don’t feel obligated to tip at these levels, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding on a budget.

But tips really do go a long way to show your appreciation! I recommend setting aside some extra funds as you’re planning your wedding to act as a cushion so it doesn’t seem like such a shock after the fact.

Piggy Bank with Coins

Things to remember when tipping

Before you pack your bags for the airport, be sure to check your wedding contract. Many contracts will add in taxes and gratuities (upwards of 30%!) on top of your contract.

While this may sound like it covers the tips, it actually doesn’t – and the staff don’t see any of that, either. Be sure to ask your wedding coordinator specifics if your contract isn’t clear. 

But hey, there’s still a good chance a destination wedding will cost way less than one at home, which is why most of us choose a destination wedding!

I recommend splitting all your tips into envelopes and packing them in your carry-on baggage – this is important! It’ll make tipping easier after your wedding so you won’t have to worry about divvying up the bills. Don’t seal the envelopes yet though – since you’ll want to adjust the tips if you feel you need to. 

You can also leave your tips with a responsible person in your bridal party, or a parent, to distribute tips to vendors. If you choose to do this, label your envelopes so they’re handed to the right team!

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tipping at destination weddings
tipping at destination weddings

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