A Fresh Look at Tipping Wedding Vendors

By Fairy Tales & Wedding Bells

Tipping is one of the most common questions couples ask during wedding planning, and it’s easy to see why. Every vendor plays a different role, every venue has its own policies, and every family has its own traditions. With all of that in the mix, many couples aren’t sure who should be tipped, when it’s appropriate, or how to approach it gracefully.

At Fairy Tales & Wedding Bells, we want every couple to feel confident and informed. These are our thoughts and practices around tipping in the wedding world.

A Common Misunderstanding About Owners

It’s often assumed that if someone owns the company, they shouldn’t receive a tip. The idea is usually that the owner is “already getting paid,” or that tipping only applies to employees working an event.

In truth, many small business owners pour far more into their work than anyone ever sees. They cut their own pay to invest back into their business, take on long days without overtime, and carry the full responsibility of making your wedding day the best it can be. When an owner is fully hands-on at your event and gives service beyond the contracted scope, a tip can be a meaningful way to acknowledge their effort.

What Gratuity Really Means

Gratuity is simply gratitude.
A tip is an expression of appreciation, not an obligation. It can be offered when someone goes above and beyond what was promised, or when their presence genuinely improves your day.

Some families, including ours, even choose to tip in anticipation of excellence. This sets the tone early by letting vendors know you value their work and trust their professionalism. In our experience, vendors often rise even higher when they feel seen and appreciated before the day begins. If they exceed expectations, an additional tip afterward can be added at your discretion.

This approach also opens the door for owners to be tipped, when appropriate. If they overdeliver or surpass what you expected, it’s perfectly acceptable to show appreciation the same way you would with any team member.

Who Commonly Receives Tips

Every wedding is unique, but here are examples of vendors who may receive tips, along with notes specific to Disney properties.

Vendors Commonly Tipped at Disney

Photo credit: Regina Hyman Photography

You may choose to tip:

• Drivers

• Day-of coordinators (Disney and third-party)

• Hair and makeup artists

• Photographers

• Videographers

For catering, bar, and waitstaff: tips are already included in your BEO (Banquet Event Order) at Disney.

Outside Disney Properties

Always review your BEO closely. Some venues include gratuity for catering and service staff, while others leave it optional. If gratuity isn’t listed, you can add it at your discretion.

Other Ways to Show Appreciation

A tip can be financial, but gratitude takes many forms. Couples often forget that small, thoughtful gestures go a long way.

• A handwritten love note
  A simple, heartfelt message can mean as much as a monetary tip.

• Vendor meals for Disney day-of coordinators
  Disney doesn’t require couples to feed their coordinators, but we strongly encourage it. Vendor meals are low-cost and create a sense of camaraderie. At most weddings, outside vendors share one vendor table, so including Disney coordinators at that table helps everyone feel united and appreciated.

• Kind reviews and referrals
  For small businesses, especially owner-led teams, these gestures are invaluable.

Additional Services You May Consider Tipping

Depending on your wedding setup, you might also consider tipping:

• Live musicians or bands

• Officiants (especially if they are non-denominational or hired independently)

• Transportation attendants

• Photo booth attendants

• Delivery teams (florals, rentals, décor)

• Lighting technicians

• DJs or MCs

As always, tipping should match the level of service, impact, and connection you felt with that vendor.

Our Philosophy at Fairy Tales & Wedding Bells

Everything shared here reflects the practices and experiences of Fairy Tales & Wedding Bells. Our hearts are centered on gratitude, respect, and the belief that every vendor contributes something meaningful to your day.

Whether you choose to tip financially, with a kind note, through a review, or with a thoughtful gesture, appreciation always makes a difference. Your wedding is a team effort, and every person who shows up for you on that day deserves to feel valued.

If you’d like help creating a personalized tipping guide for your own vendor team, I’m happy to create one for you.

The Fox / Callo Wedding

Bride: Danielle Fox

Groom: Chris Callo

Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida

Ceremony: Sea Breeze Point

Pre-Reception: St James Hall & Patio

Reception: Marvin Gardens Hall

Disney Planner: Arielle Stine

Vendors in order of Appearance:

Steamer: Carolyn Allen’s Bridals & Tuxedos

Event Planner and Day of Coordinators: Fairy Tales & Wedding Bells

HMU: Stacie Otto Hair & Makeup

Photo: Regina Hyman Photography

Video: Cinemedia

Disney’s Fairytale Wedding Day of Coordinators

Officiant: Kevin Knox

DJ: Disney Preferred DJ - Event Concepts DJ Greg Hunter