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Question:
How much should vendors be tipped? And what if a friend, who is not in the bridal party, has done something, should they be compensated?

Etiquette Expert, Claudia Lutman's Answer:
To tip or not to tip is important and of obvious concern. A tip is given as a personal expression of gratitude for service given and appreciated.

Tips are given by your wedding planner or best man on the day of your wedding. Each tip should be addresses to the recipient and sealed in an envelope.

Before signing any contracts, ask if gratuities are included in their price quote and for whom. Often, gratuity is included in the total cost of the transportation and catering bill, and hotels usually include a service charge for their bartenders, wait staff, and banquet or event manager.

You should however, set aside a portion of your budget to tip the following vendors:

Bartender:
15% - 20% of the total bar bill, if hired separately, and not already included in your hotel or caterer’s final bill.

Coat check attendant:
$1.00 - $2.00 per guest

Hair and makeup pros:
15% -20%

Limo drivers:
15% - %20 of total bill, if not already included in your contract

Nondenominational Officiant / Clergy:
$50-$100
If you're an active member, plan to donate $500 or more to your officiant's church, synagogue, or temple.

Restroom attendants:
$1.00 - $2.00 per guest

Wait Staff/Table Captain:
15% -20% of the total food and beverage bill, if not already included in your hotel or caterer’s final bill.

Valet Parking attendants:
$1.00 - $2.00 per car or guest
Tip the coat check, parking lot and restroom attendants in advance and request from your venue that there be no tip jars or dishes sitting on the bar, coat check or the restroom counters so that guests do not feel obligated to tip. Optional Tips:

Wedding Ceremony Musicians:
$15 - $20 per musician
(Note: if required to play, you don't have to tip the solo church organist )

Wedding Reception Band or DJ:
$20 - $25 per musician; $50 - $150 for DJs

Wedding Photographer/Videographer:
$50 - $200 per vendor
Note: It is unnecessary, nor expected to tip beyond their fees, however, if the wedding photographer or videographer doesn't own the studio, consider tipping each service provider. You may also give a lump sum inside a thank-you note with instructions to distribute among the service providers who serviced your wedding.

Wedding Planner:
Up to $500, or a nice gift

"Wedding planners won't likely expect anything; however, if yours did a great job you can always offer a token of your appreciation. (Note: Non-monetary thank-you’s like professional photos of the wedding for the planner's portfolio can go a long way too.) Approximately 50 percent of couples do tip their planners - typically those with more opulent weddings." Source: Carley Rooney, The Knot

At the end of the reception, the bride should extend the envelope or, you may send a thank-you note with a check, gift card, etc. after the honeymoon. At minimum, always provide a note of gratitude to your planner.

It is not necessary to compensate a friend who is given an unexpected last minute duty. Extend a token of your gratitude in a thank you note accompanied by a small gift, when possible. Your kind gesture will very much be appreciated.