Tipping Your Vendors

Let’s talk about something that comes up with almost every couple we work with as a Portland wedding planner. Tipping.

Tipping culture can be… a lot. Weddings are already expensive (in fact, I am a firm believer that weddings are a luxury), it’s completely normal to feel nervous about accidentally offending vendors while also not wanting to add another 20 to 25 percent on top of thousands of dollars you’ve already invested in your wedding vendors.

Something to keep in mind here is that many self employed vendors such as wedding planners, coordinators, photographers, designers, and decorators set their own pricing. Because of that, they typically do not expect tips and definitely do not require them.

Want to know what actually means more than a tip?
A thoughtful review.

Leaving a detailed review about your experience helps your vendors more than you might realize. It supports their business, helps future couples find them, and is honestly one of the best thank you gifts you can give. If you felt truly blown away and want to add something extra, a small cash tip or a gift card tucked into a handwritten note is always appreciated. What we gently suggest avoiding is physical gifts unless you are absolutely sure it is something they want. Vendors work dozens of weddings a year, and tangible items can pile up fast.

Another thing couples sometimes worry about is whether they need to tip assistants or second shooters. In most cases, that is handled internally between the vendor and their team. It is not your responsibility as the couple.

The one area where tipping is usually standard is service staff. If you have catering, bartenders, or venue staff at your Oregon wedding, gratuity is often already written into your contract. Many Portland wedding venues and caterers automatically include it, so always check before assuming you need to add more.

As for us at Silk & Shadows, we’re a small Portland wedding planner team, we set our own pricing, and we never expect tips. Are we thrilled when someone chooses to? Of course. This is now the party money! But we will always give our couples one hundred percent regardless, because we love what we do and we enjoy the people we get to work with.

At the end of the day, the best thing you can give your wedding vendors is kindness, communication, and trust. Everything else is just a bonus.