Gratuity Calculator
Work out gratuities for wedding and event vendors (caterer, bartenders, hair and makeup, delivery crew, DJ) with customary rates pre-filled and the grand total. Calculates in your browser.
Total gratuities
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Pre-filled rates are illustrative customs you can edit, not rules.
Show the math
Each vendor's tip is its bill times your chosen percentage; the figures are added together:
tip = bill × percent ÷ 100
Many caterers and banquet halls already include a service charge in the contract, check before tipping again. For photographers and DJs a flat amount per person is also common.
The pre-filled rates are illustrative customs you can edit, not rules or published figures. Everything is calculated in your browser.
What this does
A gratuity calculator works out tips for wedding and event vendors — caterer, bartenders, hair and makeup, delivery crew, DJ — with customary rates pre-filled and the grand total.
How to use it
- Enter the bill for each vendor you’re tipping (at least one).
- Keep or adjust the customary rate.
- Add flat tips where you prefer.
- Read the per-vendor and total gratuity.
How it works
The pre-filled rates are illustrative, editable defaults: 18% for caterers and hair/makeup, 12% of the bar bill for bartenders, and 10% for DJs and crews. Skip if a service charge is already in the contract.
gratuity = service amount × customary rate
Understanding your result
The rates are customary, not mandatory, and the single biggest mistake is double-tipping: if the contract already includes a service charge, skip the gratuity for that vendor. Tip on the service amount before tax, treat the figures as a guide you can flex for exceptional or poor service, and have cash ready in envelopes on the day.
Example
A $5,000 caterer at 18% is a $900 gratuity before other vendors.
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip wedding vendors?
There is no official rate. The tool pre-fills illustrative defaults you can change: 18% for caterers and hair/makeup, 12% of the bar bill for bartenders, and 10% for DJs and delivery crews.
Do I tip if a service charge is included?
Often not, many caterers and banquet halls build a service charge into the contract. Check before tipping again so you do not double up.
Are tips required?
They are customs, not rules. Tip what feels right for the service, and prioritize staff over business owners.
Is my data kept?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.
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