Do I Tip a Wedding Videographer?
Tipping wedding videographers can be a nuanced decision, influenced by various factors such as service quality, contract terms, and personal appreciation. While not always mandatory, offering a gratuity can be a meaningful way to acknowledge exceptional work.
Understanding Wedding Videographers & Tipping Culture
Is Tipping Expected?
Tipping videographers isn't a strict requirement- Nobody will walk up to you with their hand outstretched waiting for cash- especially if they own their business. However, it's a thoughtful gesture when they exceed expectations. I’ve shot a few hundred weddings now and as a wedding videographer, I’ve found about 70% of our clients do opt in to tipping.
Determining the Tip Amount
The appropriate tip can vary:
Flat Rate: Many couples opt for a flat amount between $50 and $200, depending on the complexity and duration of the event. mikestaff.com
Percentage-Based: Some choose to tip 5–15% of the total service fee, especially if the videographer's work was particularly outstanding. Will Simpson Photography+1Will Simpson Photography+1
Assistants: If the videographer has a team, consider tipping assistants $50–$150 each, acknowledging their contribution to capturing your special day. Brides
When to Tip
Timing your tip can enhance its impact:
Day of the Wedding: Presenting the tip at the end of the event allows for immediate appreciation.Will Simpson Photography+2Will Simpson Photography+2mikestaff.com+2
Post-Delivery: Waiting until you receive the final video lets you assess the quality and express gratitude accordingly.
Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation
If tipping isn't feasible currently, please utilize other meaningful ways to thank your videographer: zola.com+1mikestaff.com+1
Positive Reviews: Sharing your experience on platforms like Google or WeddingWire can boost their business. Glamour+6WeddingWire+6mikestaff.com+6
Referrals: Recommending their services to friends or family is a valuable endorsement.
Venmo later: Wedding bills can add up fast so tipping at the wedding isn’t always in the cards. If you want to tip but can’t at the moment, you can always email later and grab a venmo for your videographer.
Final Thoughts on tipping
While tipping your wedding videographer isn't obligatory, it's a generous way to acknowledge exceptional service. Whether through a monetary tip or other forms of appreciation, recognizing their effort ensures they feel valued for capturing your cherished moments. A tip is a traditional way of saying, ‘Thanks for doing a great job’. I never expect a tip, but I’ll always accept one. Whenever I get a tip, I take my kid out for pancakes- A lil treat for the both of us:)
Another way to say thanks is giving your vendor a great review. Rave reviews for your wedding videographer have potential to reach friends, family and the online brides from around the world. Reviews are also how sites like google, bing, yahoo, yelp…etc rank videographers, therefore, key to our survival. A tip is nice but, good reviews keep your wedding videographer in business and doing what they love. Check out our reviews here.