Please keep in mind that this is a general cheatsheet.  Every situation is different so you can use this as a guide and adjust as necessary.  Also, please remember to send Thank You notes to your vendors to let them know they did a good job.  They can use this as a testimonial to get more business in the future.

OFFICIANTS - Tip about $100 or more to the organization or house of worship your officiant belongs to in addition to any fee that they charge. For civil weddings by a judge, clerk, or other non-religious officiant, a tip is not necessary, although a thank you card is always appreciated.

CATERING STAFF - If gratuities is not included in the bill, pay about 15-20% of the total bill.  Tip Bartenders 10% of the total liquor bill if it’s not included in the catering bill.

MUSICIANS & DEEJAYS - If they own the business, a tip is not necessary.  If they are employees, tip about $50 per person.

STYLISTS & MAKE-UP ARTISTS - Tip stylists and make-up artists like you would for a regular appointment, about 15-20%.

PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS - If they own the business, a tip is not necessary.  If they are employees,  give about $50 to the main photographer/videographer to split with the assistants.

FLORISTS - If they own the business, a tip is not necessary.  If they are employees,  tip about $15 per staff member.

WEDDING COORDINATOR - If they own the business, a tip is necessary.  If they are employees, tip about $50-100. 

SITE STAFF - This includes coat checkers, parking valets, powder-room attendants, etc.  You can tip coat checkers and powder-room attendants about $1 per guest and parking valets about $1 per car.

SEAMSTRESSES - Cash tip is not expected but a small gift such as a thank you note with a photo of you in your wedding dress in nice.

DELIVERY PEOPLE - This includes people delivering your cake and flowers.  Tip about $5 for each trip they make.

DRIVERS - If tip is not included in the bill, tip between 10-15% of the cost.

Organize your tips by using this Tip Envelope from Estilo Weddings.

For stylish and affordable thank you cards, check out Estilo Weddings.

How to say thank you: 1)  Contrary to what a lot of people say, you do not have a year to send your thank you notes.  Thank you’s should be written within 3 months of the receipt of the gift. 2) Do not use pre-printed or fill-in the blank cards. A blank note with a handwritten message is much more personal.  3) Anyone who gave you anything or helped in the wedding should receive a thank you note.  This also applies to all other wedding events such as Engagement Party, Bridal Shower, etc…  4) Personalize your notes and make reference  to the person as well as the gift.

This designer Lotus Pod Bouquet is from the Martha Stewart Collection at 1800flowers.com.

To create a designer bouquet: 1) Pick a color and use flowers with different shades of that color.  2) Keep it low and dense for a contemporary look.  3) Limit the types of flowers used to 4 max for a clean arrangement.  4) Cluster small arrangements together to create a stunning effect.