If someone owns their own company (like a photographer or wedding planner who is a one person company) rule of thumb is that you don't need to tip. Everything you pay them is going directly to them.

If someone is being paid for their services by a company that they don't own, tip is expected. Wait staff, bartenders etc very likely fall into this category. Many others may as well.

You are of course welcome to tip anyone who is really helpful, even if it's their own business. But not obligated to do so.

Why not just ask those people what their fee is and what is expected.
I do not tip the plumber or electrician
I would expect some services to be included in the fee, if not then please tell ahead of time

Anonymous wrote:I Found out after the fact that my dad had $2500 in $100 bills and just handed them out like candy to all those people.

My dad did the same.

Just take a big stack of hundreds and give them out so you don’t miss anyone.

Anonymous wrote:I Found out after the fact that my dad had $2500 in $100 bills and just handed them out like candy to all those people.

My dd married in June-more of a DYI (it was amazing! outside under tent, old barn as backdrop) but we had cash we handed out to, catering truck, dj, photographer, guys who set up tent, guys who brought rental chairs ect, the officiant (we put his in a nice card as he was a family aquaintance). We actually did $50 each except the catering truck we did $100 since there were two workers.

^^ PP here. Just thought of another person to tip— the guy who is driving the bus to the venue,

The amount probably depends on what their fee is to begin with. My DS is getting married within the month. Their planner has suggested $50 for photographer + their helper and DJ + his helper. No videographer currently. Each of us will tip the hair/makeup person. Wait staff? I am pretty sure they add on 20% already. The couple has some friends doing a reading and playing a violin during the ceremony and they will receive a gift card. Hopefully, we have it all covered.

Everyone at my daughter’s wedding was very well paid. But, I did tip those who went above and beyond to make it special $50-100. The waiter who was incredibly attentive with my parents. The photographer who was really gifted at portraits.

Married 24 years and my oldest is only 21 (so no recent weddings yet), but:

Photographer - yes, $100
DJ - yes, $100
Caterer: each individual waitstaff and bartender? No, to each waitstaff, only the B&E Manager (Banquet and Event Manager), we did $300 for a 250 person wedding). Yes, we gave 3 bartenders $100 each
Orchestra - we had a DJ, so I don't know. We did have 3 HS students playing instruments during the actual wedding (on guest arrival and as everyone walked down the aisle and at the end when we all left), but we paid them well, more than they had ever made on a gig before, one of them was a good friend's child
Hair and makeup - as you normally would at your salon, 15-20%

I Found out after the fact that my dad had $2500 in $100 bills and just handed them out like candy to all those people.

Do I tip and how much?
Photographer
DJ
Caterer: each individual waitstaff and bartender?
Orchestra
Hair and makeup
Anyone else?

Do I bring a lot of cash and hand it out individually?