Gratuities for D.J's, photographers, etc.?

I am just wondering how much is a good amount to tip the people who will be providing services that day. I don't want to look stupid giving them too much, or even worse - too little!



The people I have are...

D.J - There will be two of them there, I got an amazing deal on their services.

Photographer - Will be present from 5pm at the reception until 12am.

Cake Maker - This lady used to work for a high end bakery, then decided to stay home and have children, works out of her house. She is only charging me about 40% of what I was quoted at most other high end bakeries.

Florist - Do I tip the florist? Send a thank you card? Flowers? LOL ...

Limo driver - ??

Singer/Guitarist - For the wedding ceremony.

Pianist - For the wedding ceremony.



Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

Gratuities for D.J's, photographers, etc.?
Tipping is definitely optional ... but if you are pleased with the services provided, then a small tip is always nice. Florists, photographers and videographers generally don't get tipped. Other vendors, like the printer who did your invites, also do not get tipped. Most of what they are making off of your purchase is profit so a tip isn't necessary. The DJ, singers, musicians, hair and make-up should all get 5-15% of what they charged - again, if you're super pleased. If you're having a caterer, then the servers usually get $20 each or so.
Reply:Tipping people that you are paying for a service is optional, and not expected. You are already paying them a set fee for their services, so I wouldn't worry about a tip. The limo driver should probably be tipped b/c he probably diesn't own the company, so a tip for him would be nice. The DJ, photographer, florist, and cake maker aren't expecting to be tipped, so it would be optional and up to you. The singer/guitarist and pianist would depend on whether they are professionals that you are paying, or people that have volunteered, if they are friends or family members that are doing it for free, a gift, either money or something like you are giving the wedding party would be a nice gesture. Be sure and have food and drinks for them at the wedding. best wishes!
Reply:15% just like any other service industry. Obviously, don't tip if you aren't satisfied.



Anybody who will be working at the reception should also be provided with a meal and something to drink as well.



The cake maker, you can send a thank you card with the tip and a few wedding pics of the cake to use in her book if you are happy with the work. Same thing with the florist (except of the flowers).



The signer and the pianist for the ceremony, give their tip to the best man so you don't have to come back. If you like come up with some sort of signal that lets him know you weren't happy and don't want him to give the tip, although if the music is that bad I'm sure he will be able to tell on his own.