Catering: If your contract doesn’t include gratuity, you should tip 15 to 20 percent of the total bill. Another way to tip is offering $50 to $100 for each chef and $20 to $50 per server.

Photographer and Videographer: You’re not required to tip them if they own the studio. If they don’t then giving them an extra $50 to $200 is a nice gesture. If there are two or three shooters, giving a $50 to $100 tip to each person.

Delivery staff: It’s not mandatory to tip the delivery staff, but if you’d like to, then you can offer them $20-$50 each.

Hair and makeup artist: A 15 to 20 percent tip is expected, just like it would be for any other regular salon visit, but it isn’t required.

Band or DJ: Offering a 10 to 15 percent tip is a nice gesture to your band or DJ, especially of they have to carry a lot of heavy equipment from one location to the next. For musicians, a $25 to $50 tip per band member is appropriate.

Transportation: A 15 percent tip is optional if it isn’t included in the contract.

Florist: The florist doesn’t expect a tip. However, if they do an outstanding job, you can consider giving them a 10 to 15 percent tip after services are rendered. 

Keep this in mind: Though tipping at weddings has become more of a custom in all service areas, it isn’t mandatory or even expected by most wedding pros. With the exception of the catering staff and possibly the venue, tips are considered a nice surprise by almost all vendors. If you don’t have the money to shell out thousands more on tips, there are a few gestures that will go a long way with your team of wedding pros. Send an email with a review, a handwritten thank-you note or a review on Yelp or The Knot are great ways to show appreciation and offer something the vendor can use when booking future clients. Even better, refer your vendors to your friends – this gesture will go much further than a cash tip!