Should you tip Your Wedding Photographer: Essential Advice for Your Big Day
Last updated on May 3rd, 2024 at 05:24 pm
Should You Tip Your Wedding Photographer?
As you get closer to your wedding day and start finalizing all the payments you may be wondering if it is if it’s customary to tip your wedding photographer. You have engaged with this person over the past year, they have captured your engagement photos, and if they did a good job you are extremely grateful for all their hard work and artistry.
In short, tipping your photographer is not an obligation. Unlike your waitstaff or venue coordinators, most photographers are business owners, they have built their pricing accordingly to sustain their lifestyle and do not need to be tipped. That being said a tip is always appreciated though never expected.
Let’s break it down a bit further to see what an appropriate tip may be if you are leaning that direction or some alternatives to tipping to show your photographer your gratitude.
What you need to consider when tipping your wedding photographer.
Several considerations can influence your decision to tip your wedding photographer or not.
Service Excellence: If your photographer has surpassed the agreed-upon service level or exceeded your hopes, a tip could be a thoughtful expression of your gratitude.
Business Ownership: It’s common for photographers to own their enterprises and establish their fees accordingly. Therefore, they usually don’t anticipate tips. But, if their performance impresses you, a tip could be a heartening gesture.
Contact Details: It’s crucial to read your contract. Some photographers might incorporate gratuity into their fees. If that’s the case, an extra tip isn’t required. If gratuity isn’t addressed, the choice to tip lies with you.
Suggested Tip for Your Wedding Photographer
If you decide to tip your wedding photographer, a typical guideline is to offer 10 percent of their rate or a minimum of $100. If there’s a secondary photographer or an aide, consider tipping them between $50 to $75 each, particularly if their contributions significantly enhance the final outcome1.
When should you tip your wedding photographer?
If a tip option is not shown on your wedding invoice, it’s appropriate to offer the tip on your wedding day, after the completion of all services. Alternatively, considering that you’ll probably continue to engage with your photographer after the wedding day for photo delivery, you can choose to send the tip later, once all services are fulfilled. This can be a fun way to send them a thank you card after all is said and done.
Alternatives to Tipping Your Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer, while I do always appreciate a tip. Some of the following options can mean a lot more. If you’re constrained by budget or if tipping doesn’t resonate with you for any reason, you have other avenues to demonstrate your appreciation:
Thank-You Note: A sincere thank-you note can convey your gratitude effectively1.
Gift: A bespoke gift, like a bouquet or gourmet treats, can be a considerate gesture1. I remember one wedding where the bride gave each of the wedding vendors a goodie bag with a water bottle and some snacks to enjoy throughout the wedding day. This was one of the most thoughtful gifts I have gotten and made me feel very appreciated.
Compliments & Referrals: Expressive feedback and public recognition, such as tagging your photographer when sharing photos on social platforms, can make your photographer feel appreciated and might even aid in expanding their client base. Usually, if you and your photographer vibed, they will get along well with friends. Sending a friend our way is always a huge thank you and it allows us to work with more amazing couples like you!
Reviews: In all honesty, a review can have the biggest impact on a photographer’s business. Crafting a positive review on a wedding website or the photographer’s site can assist them in attracting future clientele. You might also offer to serve as a reference for prospective couples.
Photo Submissions: This is one of the best ways you can tip your wedding photographer! Some publications like Brides do not accept work from wedding professionals unless it is submitted by a couple. So if you are thrilled with your wedding, please consider submitting it!! Remember to discuss this with your photographer in advance. They may be able to point you in a good direction of where to submit the photos since some publications prefer elopements, while others prefer full wedding days.
In summary, while tipping your wedding photographer is not mandatory, expressing appreciation for their dedication is crucial. This can be manifested through a generous tip, heartfelt words, a thoughtful gift, or a radiant review. The memories captured by your photographer will be cherished for years to come, underscoring the invaluable contribution of their craft to your special day.
