Tips and Gifts

[steph1213]

I know this was asked before so bear with me as i can't find the original post. Who are we expected to tip after our DFTW? We are having a Disney DJ, a non-disney photographer and Ana from Beaute Speciale. Also, I see that sometimes gifts are given to your planners. Do you give just your wedding planner something or the floral planner and wedding coordinator as well? And what have some folks given?

Sorry for so many questions. I'm getting down to the wire and these are the last few things I need to follow up on.

 

[lurkyloo]

First off, tiping is *never* mandatory, so you should only do it when you really feel the person has gone above and beyond.

The rule of thumb is that you don’t need to tip wedding professionals or people who own their own businesses. Traditionally this includes wedding planners, photographers, videographers, florists, and cake bakers. However, it is customary to tip service people such as drivers and business owners’ assistants.

Cast members are now allowed to accept cash tips. However many people give their planners a thank-you note, a small gift, or a gift card in lieu of a tip.

Cosmetologists who own their businesses are frequently tipped by Disney brides, although you can make a case either way. One school of thought is that cosmetologists who travel to your hotel are already charging higher prices or a travel fee and don’t have to pay rent to a salon to work, so there is no need for a tip. However many people feel that cosmetologists should be tipped regardless of the location or their status as an owner or employee. Their assistants should be tipped.

I did a ton of reserach about tipping, and this is what I came up with:

Those Who Are Usually Tipped
Limo/Bus Driver: 15%-20%, capped at $150
Cosmetologist’s assistant(s): 15%-20% each
Photo/video assistant: $25-$50


Those Who Are Tipped Only for Exceptional Service
Cosmetologist: 15%-20%
DJ: $50-$100
Dress steamer: $10-$20
Floral Event Manager: Thank-you card or gift
Musicians: $15-$25 each
Officiant (if no fee is charged): $50-$150
Wedding Coordinator/Event Planner/Consultant: Thank-you card or gift

 

[linzwylie]

When do you give the tips?

Did you have someone at you wedding who you made in charge of handing out tips? If so, did they give the tips to them immediatly? ie. The musician at the ceremony - did they get their tip straight after the ceremony?

Linz xxx

 

[lurkyloo]

Yes, usually they suggest you divide the tips into envelopes and give them to the Father of the Bride or the Best Man to distribute (but I don't see why it couldn't be a female member of the bridal party! ).

For hair and makeup, of course, you can just hand it to them when you're done being made up. And I had DH give the limo driver his tip, since none of the bridal party was in it with us.

 

[mermaidbride1108]

Yes, usually they suggest you divide the tips into envelopes and give them to the Father of the Bride or the Best Man to distribute (but I don't see why it couldn't be a female member of the bridal party! ).

For hair and makeup, of course, you can just hand it to them when you're done being made up. And I had DH give the limo driver his tip, since none of the bridal party was in it with us.

Isn't the limo driver included uner the 21% service charge through Disney?

 

[lurkyloo]

No - the service charge is only on food and beverage and AV stuff, so it only covers wait staff, bartenders and the person who sets up the sound system.

Disney contracts the transportation through outside company Mears. You do not pay a service charge on transportation.

 

[steph1213]

Thanks so much! You are the queen of knowledge when it comes to all of this! I'm printing out your post and will put DF to work on it!

I just want to make sure we have all the envelopes we need ready to go!