Everything You Need to Know for a Thoughtful (and Stress-Free) Wedding Day


When you're planning your wedding, the to-do list feels never-ending—and somewhere between final payments, timelines, and vendor communication, a big question pops up:


“Are we supposed to tip our wedding vendors?”


Short answer? Tipping is always appreciated, but never expected.


Long answer? Let’s break it down.


As a professional wedding photographer based in Akron, Ohio—and someone who’s worked closely with dozens of amazing vendors across the industry—I want to help you feel confident about tipping etiquette and show you why your heartfelt reviews often go further than cash ever could.



Why Tipping Wedding Vendors Isn’t Always Required


Here’s the truth: most professional wedding vendors price themselves with the cost of doing business in mind. That includes things like equipment, insurance, taxes, time, and yes—profit margins that allow us to continue doing what we love without relying on tips to pay our bills.


So while a tip is a thoughtful gesture that says “you went above and beyond,” it’s never something you have to do.


Especially for service-based vendors like photographers, planners, and DJs—our pricing is often all-inclusive. We’ve already calculated what it takes to show up, deliver, and give you an unforgettable experience. That said…


Tipping Is a Beautiful Way to Show Gratitude (When You Can)

If you loved working with a vendor—if they made your day feel seamless, fun, stress-free, and truly special—a tip is one way to say thank you for their time, effort, and presence on one of the biggest days of your life.


It’s especially appreciated when:


Vendors went above and beyond expectations


You had a last-minute request or extra hours were needed


You had an incredible experience and want to show love

 

Wedding Vendors You Might Consider Tipping

While there’s no official rulebook, here’s a guide to common wedding vendors and whether tipping is customary:


Vendor | Do You Tip? | Suggested Amount


Photographer/Videographer

  • Not expected if owner-operated | $50–$200 if you wish


Hair & Makeup Artists

  • Yes (just like at a salon) | 15–25% of service total


Catering Staff

  • Usually included in contract; ask to confirm | $20–$50 per staff member


Bartenders

  • If not already included | 10–20% of the total bar bill


Wedding Planner/Coordinator

  • Optional but appreciated | $100–$500 based on service level


Delivery Drivers (Cake, Rentals, Flowers)

  • Optional | $10–$25 per delivery


DJ/Band

  • Optional, especially if exceptional | $50–$150 per performer


Officiant

  • Only if not affiliated with a church | $50–$100 or donation


Transportation

  • Often expected | 15–20% of the bill

 

For Me Personally? Reviews > Tips Every Time



This might surprise you, but as a wedding photographer, I would take a glowing 5-star review over a cash tip any day—and I’m not alone.


Why?


Because Reviews Are Gold for Small Businesses Like Mine

Here’s how a simple review helps more than you might realize:


  • Builds trust with new couples looking for vendors they can count on


  • Boosts our visibility on Google and other search engines (hello, SEO!)


  • Gives potential clients insight into your real experience, not just our curated portfolio


  • Reminds us why we do this—because your kind words truly fuel our passion



Where Should You Leave a Review?



If you loved your experience with Art G Photography, here’s where it matters most:


Google Reviews


Facebook Page


Tag us on Instagram


A thoughtful paragraph about your experience—what stood out, how you felt, and why you’d recommend us—is everything. Seriously. We print them out, hang them up, and cry a little. (Okay, maybe just me. I cry a lot.)



Other Ways to Show Appreciation (That Cost Nothing)



If you're not in a place to tip financially, there are so many ways to support your vendors:


  • Share their work on social media and tag them


  • Refer them to engaged friends or family


  • Send a heartfelt thank-you note or email


  • Mention them in your wedding recap blog post or vendor list


Every bit of kindness you send our way gets paid forward to the next couple we work with. That’s the beauty of community.



The Bottom Line: Tip If You Can, Review Either Way



At the end of the day, your wedding vendors love what they do. We’re not in it for the tips—we’re in it for the stories, the emotion, the art, and the joy.


If you feel moved to tip, do it! If you’re more of a words-of-affirmation kind of couple, drop that review! Whatever your love language is, we’ll receive it with open arms and grateful hearts.



Planning Your Ohio Wedding?



Whether you're deep into planning or just getting started, I’d love to be part of your day. Let’s create photos that feel like you—real, bold, and unforgettable.


📍 Serving Akron, Cleveland, Canton & beyond

🏳️‍🌈 Proudly inclusive & LGBTQ+ friendly

📸 Specializing in candid, colorful wedding photography



👉 Let’s Chat About Your Wedding



Let’s grab a coffee (or a taco!) and talk about how we can make your day unforgettably you—camera, kindness, and all.