Budget and Planning Basics

Do Vendors Prefer Cash Tips?

Do vendors prefer to be tipped in cash, or can we just add a tip on top of the final credit-card bill?


Some vendors automatically add an 18–20 percent gratuity to their service. Obviously, in this instance, the vendor prefers the gratuity to be included in the total bill, and your tipping obligations end once you sign on the dotted line. However, make sure you know which vendors do this and exactly who will get the tip. For example, does the gratuity on your reception bill just go to the banquet-hall manager and the waitstaff or will it be divvied up among the coat-check and valet-parking attendants as well? It’s also important to know in advance who’s charging automatic gratuity so you avoid double-tipping a vendor.

If a vendor does not automatically charge a gratuity, it’s safe to assume that he prefers a cash tip. Once you decide how much you want to tip, put this money aside in sealed envelopes and write the vendors’ names on them. Designate someone (such as the best man) to hand them out at the appropriate times during the wedding day.

4 - 8 Weeks Before
		Mail invitations eight weeks ahead of the date.
		Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece).
		Book your favorite beauty pros to prepare you for that all-eyes-on-you moment.
		Look over insurance papers with your fiancé (car, life, medical, home)—you may need to make changes in the policy when you go from single to married.
2 - 4 Weeks Before
		Puzzle time: Do seating for the reception.
		Confirm details with the photographer, florist, etc.
		Send an engagement photograph with a wedding announcement to newspapers.
		Have your final dress fitting.
		Write your rehearsal-dinner toast.
1 Week Before
		Place fees in envelopes to be given to the organist, soloist, minister, etc. on the big day.
		Give caterer the final head count.
		Appoint a punctual pal to bring the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to the wedding site early (and be responsible for getting them home again).
		Get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage or other beauty treatments of your choice.
		Pack for the honeymoon (arrange for someone to bring your luggage and going-away outfits to the reception site if you're leaving from the reception).
The Day Before
		Greet out-of-town guests.
		Go to the gym, take a long walk, or do some other stress-reducing activity
		Schedule time for beauty—a manicure touch-up or a hairstyling appointment—before the rehearsal dinner.
		Hit the wedding rehearsal and dinner following.