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When it comes to planning a wedding there are so many different things to think about. Are you wondering if whether you should tip your wedding photographer? This post takes a look at how and why you might want to tip your wedding photographer and some other things you could consider doing instead.
Should You Tip Your Wedding Photographer?
While tipping is less common here in the UK than it is in other countries such as the USA, it may still have occurred to you that you might need to tip some of the people that will be working at your wedding.
Generally speaking wedding photography will probably be one of the biggest costs for your wedding, after the venue and associated costs such as food and possibly your wedding attire. I always say spend as much as you can possibly afford on your wedding photographs because in years to come, they might be all you have left from the big day – they can be wonderful lasting moments of relatives and other family members who have since passed away.
So, you might be wondering whether it’s really nessercary to spend yet more money on a tip.
Wedding photographers generally do not expect to be tipped in the way service staff such as waiters or bartenders might.
However, tips are always appreciated.
For example, you might want to consider giving a tip if you feel your photographer has gone above and beyond in the run-up to your wedding. Maybe your wedding date has changed several times and they’ve done everything they can to accommodate you. Perhaps you’ve had extra meetings with them or asked them to visit multiple venues – these are all occasions when a tip might be warranted.
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Should You Tip Your Wedding Photographer? Continued . . .
Another time you might want to tip is if you feel your photographer really went the extra mile on your wedding day itself. Maybe they stopped you from getting in a panic about something, prevented family members fighting – or like my own wedding photographer went in search of misplaced buttonholes and bouquets at the very last minute!
If tipping your photographer isn’t something you have budgeted for, then don’t worry. There are lots of other things you can do that show how much you appreciated their work without having to spend any money.
- Leave a positive review on either Google on their Facebook Page.
- Write a recommendation in a bridal. Often in these groups, self-promotion isn’t allowed but brides and grooms can recommend other people.
- Share your photographs on social media and tag the photographer. This could help their business get seen by other potential clients.
- Send a thank you card and letter thanking them for their help on the day. Small businesses often display these cards in their offices and it’s great for potential customers to see them.
If you don’t want to give them cash you could also send flowers or a gift card after the wedding as a thank you.
While your photographer is doing their job and probably would not expect a tip, being appreciated at any job is always lovely, especially when you’re self-employed as many photographers are.
If the photographer is employed by the venue or a studio then they might be earning much less than a freelancer so you may feel a tip is appropriate.
If you’re getting married abroad, then always remember to check local customs on tipping.
One final thing I wanted to mention is don’t forget to look after your photographer on the day.
While they wouldn’t expect to eat with the wedding guests, be sure to book them a plate of food or see if your venue has a bar menu they can order from. They’ll need a break to relax, rehydrate, use the bathroom and back up all the images they’ve taken so far.