When planning a wedding or special event, it’s easy to get caught up in the major details—venue, décor, catering, and entertainment. But one question that often arises during the final stages of planning is, “How much should I tip my vendors?” Tipping is a way to show appreciation for excellent service, but figuring out the proper etiquette can sometimes feel tricky. Here are a few tips to help guide you through tipping your vendors while planning your event.
Understand When Tipping Is Appropriate
Tipping is common in the service industry, but not all vendors expect it. When working with rental companies for items like tents, tables, and dance floors, tipping can vary depending on the service provided. For example, when renting a dance floor rental in Land O Lakes or other party rentals, you might want to tip the delivery and setup crew who put in the hard work to ensure your event runs smoothly.
As one event coordinator shared, “The delivery crew does so much behind the scenes—from setting up tents to hauling heavy equipment like tables and chairs—so a tip is always appreciated, though not expected.”
The key is to gauge the level of service provided. If your vendors go above and beyond to meet your expectations, a tip is a great way to show your gratitude.
Consider the Vendor’s Role and Effort
Not all vendors contribute in the same way, so the tip should reflect the effort and attention they’ve given to your event. For example, the crew setting up large tents or moving heavy items like tables and chairs likely put in considerable physical labor. A tip in this scenario can show appreciation for their hard work and effort.
As one vendor recalled, “We had a client who tipped the entire setup crew when they saw the work we put in getting their outdoor wedding ready. The client didn’t realize how much effort went into setting up tents, tables, and a dance floor until they saw it firsthand.”
A tip of $20–$50 per staff member is a good starting point, depending on the complexity of the setup and the number of people on the team.
Tipping for Exceptional Service
If your vendors go above and beyond, consider offering a higher tip to show your appreciation. Did the vendor accommodate last-minute changes, solve unexpected problems, or provide excellent customer service throughout the planning process? These actions merit a generous tip.
For instance, if the setup crew worked overtime to get your party rentals in Land O Lakes or the dance floor rental set up perfectly before guests arrived, an extra tip would be a kind gesture.
Some clients also offer non-monetary tips, like snacks or drinks for the crew, which can be a thoughtful touch if the event takes place on a hot day or involves hours of physical labor.
When Not to Tip
There are situations where tipping may not be necessary. For example, some vendors include gratuity in their contracts or service fees, especially for services like catering or event planning. Always check your contracts to see if gratuity has already been added before offering an additional tip.
In some cases, companies may have policies against tipping. For example, larger rental companies may not expect or allow tips for their employees, so it’s a good idea to ask in advance if you’re unsure.
Quick Recap: Tipping Your Event Vendors
- Tip based on service: Consider tipping the delivery and setup crew if they’re handling labor-intensive tasks like setting up tents, tables, and dance floors.
- Reflect the effort: A good rule of thumb is $20–$50 per person depending on the complexity of the job.
- Exceptional service merits more: If your vendors go above and beyond, consider increasing the tip or offering refreshments.
- Check for gratuity policies: Always review your contracts to see if gratuity is already included or if tipping is allowed.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your vendors feel appreciated for the hard work they put into making your event a success. Whether you’re renting a dance floor rental in Land O Lakes or organizing a large-scale outdoor celebration, tipping is a great way to express your gratitude for a job well done.
