Should You Tip Your Wedding Vendors? An Honest Guide for Toronto Couples

Should You Tip Your Wedding Vendors?

An Honest Guide from a Toronto Bride & Wedding Content Creator

Tipping your wedding vendors: Is it expected? Is it optional? And why does it feel so confusing?

As both a Toronto-based Wedding Content Creator and a bride-to-be myself, I’ve seen this question come up constantly in Facebook wedding planning groups, vendor forums, and even among my own friends. Some vendors say tipping is standard. Others don’t mention it at all. So what’s the real deal?

Let’s break it down!

First, Do You Have to Tip?

Short answer: No.

Gratuities are always appreciated, but in most cases, they are not required unless explicitly stated in a contract (more on that below).

That said, there are a few vendor categories, particularly in catering, bartending, or hair and makeup, where tipping is a bit more customary. Even then, it varies widely based on your location, your contract, and your budget.

So Who Typically Gets Tipped?

Here’s a general rule of thumb for tipping wedding vendors in Toronto and the GTA:

✅ Catering Staff & Bartenders

If gratuity is not already included, 15–20% is standard.

✅ Hair & Makeup Artists

Tipping 15–20% is appreciated, similar to a salon setting.

✅ Transportation Drivers

A 10–15% tip is standard unless gratuity is pre-included.

💡 Always double-check your contracts, gratuities may already be factored into your final bill.

What About Other Vendors?

Here’s where it gets more flexible.

For photographers, videographers, planners, content creators (hi 👋🏻), florists, DJs, musicians, tipping for these professionals is not expected but is always a kind and appreciated gesture.

Speaking personally as a Wedding Content Creator, I’ve received anywhere from $100 to $300 in tips, and it’s always incredibly generous. But do I expect it?

Absolutely not!

In fact, most of us would say this:

If You Can’t Tip, Here’s What Matters More

🎯 Leave a Thoughtful 5-Star Review

Seriously. Reviews on Google or wherever you found us (Instagram, WedLuxe, Facebook, etc.) go so far in helping future couples find us. One kind paragraph from you can do more for our business than a $100 tip ever could.

🤍 Refer Us to Other Couples

Whether it’s your newly engaged bestie or a colleague planning a future wedding, nothing makes us feel more valued than a referral. Word of mouth is gold in the wedding world.

📸 Tag Us on Social Media

If you’re posting any behind-the-scenes or professional content, tag your vendors! It helps us showcase our work and gives your vendor team the visibility they deserve.

💌 Send a Thank You Note

A simple card or message can mean the world. We’re often working long, emotional days. Hearing that we made a real impact stays with us.

Final Thoughts from a WCC (and Bride)

As a bride, I know how quickly expenses can add up. Between the venue, food, outfits, decor, and vendors, it’s a lot. And no one wants to feel pressured into tipping when every dollar counts.

As a vendor, I can confidently say that what matters most is how you show your appreciation, not just if you tip.

So if tipping is within your means and you feel moved to give, amazing! But if not, don’t sweat it. There are so many other meaningful ways to thank your vendor team, and we truly appreciate them all.

Still Curious?

If you’re deep in wedding planning and trying to navigate etiquette, budgeting, and vendor expectations, I’ve got plenty more tips on the blog. Here are the ones I'd recommend reading next!

Day-of vs. Month-of Coordination in Toronto: What Brides Need to Know

8 Unique Guest Book Ideas for Modern Couples

What to Expect from a Wedding Content Creator on Your Big Day

If you're curious about Wedding Content Creation and how it could fit into your Bridal Era, check out these blog posts next!

What is a Wedding Content Creator, and Do You Need One?

Wedding Content Creator or Videographer, Who Should I Hire?

Wedding Content Creation IS for Every Bride - Not Just Influencers

Cheers,

Francesca