Tipping Your Wedding Hair Stylist and Make-Up Artist

Absolute Love Photography

from theknot.com

This is one area where a gratuity is definitely expected. Tip between 15 - 20 percent just as you would in a hair salon, and consider giving a little extra if there's a crisis, like one of your bridesmaids has a meltdown over her updo and it requires a redo at the last minute.

Protocol: Expected

The Standard: 15 - 25 percent, depending upon the quality of service

When to Tip: At the end of your service

Tipping Your Wedding Coordinator

From the Knot.com

Wedding planners won't likely expect anything; however, if yours did a great job you can always offer a token of your appreciation. (Note: Non-monetary thank-yous like professional photos of the wedding for the planner's portfolio can go a long way too.) Approximately 50 percent of couples do tip their planners -- typically those with more opulent weddings.

Protocol: Optional

The $tandard: Up to $500, or a nice gift

When to Tip: The bride should hand off the envelope at the end of the reception, or, she should send a thank-you note with photos or a check after the honeymoon.

Tipping Your Wedding Reception Band or DJ

From theKnot.com

Whether you hire a 12-piece swing band or a DJ, tipping musicians is completely optional. (Depending on the quality of the job and how willing they were to follow your ideal playlist!) And don't forget about any sound technicians they bring with them.

Protocol: Optional, yet preferred

The Standard: $20 - $25 per musician; $50 - $150 for DJs

When to Tip: At the end of the reception, by the best man or wedding coordinator.

Tipping for Transportation on your Big Day

Absolute Love Photography

From the knot.com

Be sure to first check your contract, as gratuity is usually included. If it isn't, plan to tip provided they show up on time and don't get lost!

Protocol: Expected

The Standard: 15 - 20 percent of the total bill

When to Tip: At the end of the night or after the last ride. If you used a separate company for the guest buses, designate a bus captain to hand the driver a tip, otherwise, this duty falls to the best man.

Tipping Your Caterer

I am often asked "How much should I tip the caterer?". Well, it depends on whether the gratuity is already included in your total bill or whether it is left up to your discretion. Be sure to check with your caterer first on this. In the event that the caterer does leave the gratuity to your discretion, you should expect to pay 18 - 20 % of the catering bill evenly dispersed between the supervisor, servers, and bartenders. At least $50-$75 should be given to each person. SN: Be sure to factor in tips and gratuity when putting together your wedding budget.