Wedding Vendor Tipping in Texas: What to Know Before the Big Day

Wedding Vendor Tipping in Texas: What to Know Before the Big Day

Do We Tip the DJ? The Florist? The Bartender?

​You're nearly done planning your North Texas wedding—and then it hits you. You’ve locked in your vendors, your venue, and your budget... but what about tips? Who do you tip? How much? And what’s expected in the Texas wedding world? 
Is tipping even a thing? 
It’s one of the most searched (and least talked about) topics in wedding planning.
Let’s make it simple.

When No One Tells You the Etiquette

We’ve worked with couples who planned every detail down to the napkin folds—but forgot about tipping their hair and makeup artist. Others over-tipped because they didn’t know what was customary.
Wedding vendor tipping isn’t about obligation—it’s about appreciation. And there are best practices that can help you plan ahead (without scrambling for cash envelopes last-minute).

A Grateful Couple’s Guide to Tipping Texas Wedding Vendors

At Hawthorn Hills, we believe kindness matters—and clarity does too. Here’s a breakdown of who to tip, how much, and when:

​Suggested Tipping Guidelines
✔ Hair & Makeup Artists
💵 15–25% of service cost
💬 Tip just like at a salon.

✔ Catering Staff
💵 15–20% of the total bill, or $25–50 per staff member
💬 Check if gratuity is already included in your invoice - it almost always it!

✔ Bartenders
💵 10–20% or $50–100 total
💬 Include signage for a tip jar, or handle tips in advance.

✔ Delivery Staff (Cake, Florals, Rentals)
💵 $10–25 per delivery
💬 Optional, but appreciated for timely, careful delivery.

✔ Photographer/Videographer
💵 Optional: $50–200
💬 Especially for lead shooters or exceptional service.

✔ DJ or Live Musicians
💵 $50–100 per person
💬 If they kept the party alive, show your thanks!

✔ Wedding Planner/Coordinator
💵 Optional: $100–500
💬 Especially if they went above and beyond (which our team always aims to do!).

✔ Officiant
💵 $100–300 donation or gift
💬 Particularly if they're not charging a set fee, if you did hire them and paid a fee consider this covered.

Pro Tips to Keep It Stress-Free

• Prepare labeled envelopes in advance
  Assign someone you trust (like the best man or a parent) to distribute tips. Pro tip? Also include a sheet with each vendors name and a place for them to sign for the envelope. That way even if you aren't the one handing it out - you can ensure it made it to them.
• Include tips in your wedding budget early
  Most couples tip between $500–1,500 total.
• Write thank-you notes
  Gratitude goes a long way—and vendors remember kind clients. You can see more non-monetary tipping ideas in our free to download guide too!

FAQ: Tipping at Weddings

Do I tip if the vendor owns their business?
As always - tips are not required, but always appreciated. A thank-you note or thoughtful gift can also be meaningful. Many small businesses in North Texas mean that you are working directly with the owner. If they are present on wedding day it's usually them "volunteering" (aka unpaid) their time to ensure your day is flawless. We think that's pretty amazing.
Can I include tips in final vendor payments?
This is pretty common, but since each vendor accepts payments in different ways always ask in advance to avoid confusion.
Should I tip volunteers or friends helping out?
Not with cash—consider a thoughtful gift, meal, or heartfelt thank-you.

Kindness is Always in Style

No one wants to be caught off guard during their wedding day. A little prep now goes a long way in showing appreciation to the team that brings your vision to life.

Have more questions about how we support couples during planning?
Schedule a tour of Hawthorn Hills and discover how our inclusive North Texas venue helps you cover every detail—including the ones no one talks about.

Free Planning Guide + Tipping Guide

Venue Packages

---

Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day.
Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!

Here are a few:
- Prosperity Mansion and Farm - MD
- Kinsey Events - PA
- The Barn at Ballard Creek
- The English Barn - KS
- Leeric Lodge and Resort - TN
- Cabins on Strawberry Hill - AZ
​- The Vintage Rose Barn - MI
- The Cellar - SC
- Chanting Oak Ridge - MO 
- Maiden Wood Events - WI