A Newbie’s Guide to Destination Wedding Tipping Etiquette

Destination weddings offer an opportunity for couples to blend their love story with vibrant settings and diverse cultures. But, as enchanting as these global unions are, they come with their unique set of questions, especially when it comes to destination wedding tipping etiquette. Expressing gratitude in the form of tips is more than just a monetary gesture – it’s a reflection of appreciation, demonstrating an understanding of local customs.

Embrace the global wedding experience with the knowledge to make a good impression as we take a look at how to perfect your tipping etiquette for destination weddings, no matter where your love takes you. But, who do you tip at a wedding? Keep reading to find out.

The Cultural Aspect of Tipping

In a world where 95% of Americans report tipping, it’s easy to assume the customs are the same worldwide. While tipping is commonplace and expected in the United States, elsewhere, the story differs. In Japan, tipping can be deemed impolite – a stark contrast to Mexico where it’s eagerly expected.

Europe’s stance is variable, with differing customs found in every corner of the continent. In Italy, service charges often negate the need for tips, while in Greece, tips are much appreciated, but not mandatory. If you’re choosing to tie the knot abroad, understanding the unique tipping customs of the country you choose is crucial. 

Why is Tipping Important?

Wedding preparations can be a whirlwind, and inevitably one or two details will be overlooked. Budgetary concerns are often painted without consideration of one essential cost: tipping. Many couples meticulously plan for venue bookings, gowns, and decorations but forget to set aside funds for tipping the wedding workers, the very people who bring their dream day to life. 

Even officiants, who are pivotal in the ceremony but typically won’t accept cash, deserve a token of gratitude. As you chart out your wedding expenditures, including tips is a courteous reflection of your appreciation for those who make your day special. While wedding expenses are thoroughly accounted for, gratuities often go forgotten. Stay ahead of the budgeting game by having a clear picture of who you plan to tip, and how much.

Guidelines for Wedding Vendor Tipping

Navigating the world of wedding expenses can be intricate, and tipping is a segment that warrants clarity. Commonly, couples find themselves wondering what the destination wedding tipping etiquette is. As a rule of thumb, most wedding vendors anticipate a gratuity reflecting the quality of their service. Here’s a breakdown of typical amounts when it comes to tipping wedding vendors:

• Photographer and videographer. If they own the studio, tipping isn’t required, but if they don’t, $50 to $200 per person is customary.
• Hair and makeup artist. A gratuity of 15-20% of the total bill is standard.
• Caterers. Check your contract if food isn’t included in your all-inclusive package or you get food catered from off your resort. If gratuity isn’t included, tip 15-20% of the total bill. If it is, tipping the servers is still considerate.
• Band or DJ. For a band, $25-$50 per musician is customary. For a DJ, 10-15% of their fee is typical.
• Transportation. If it isn’t included in the contract, 15-20% of the total bill is the norm.
• Florist. While they don’t expect a tip, a gratuity of 10-15% of the bill shows appreciation, especially for outstanding work.
• Bartenders. 10-15% of the total liquor bill or $20-$25 per bartender.

Remember, these are just guidelines, but the final tipping decision should reflect your satisfaction with the service provided and your budgetary constraints. Understanding destination wedding costs will ensure there are no financial surprises on the big day.

Destination Wedding Tipping Etiquette Matters

Getting destination wedding tipping etiquette right means your gratitude and thanks will be felt by every member of your wedding party. Ensure that each individual who plays a role in your special day feels acknowledged. A well-tipped vendor is a happy vendor, and their contentment often translates to impeccable service. 

Plus Ones and Destination Weddings

It’s common to offer a plus one to a wedding, especially if the wedding couple is considering someone of significance to you, or already knows your partner well. But what about plus-ones and destination weddings? Does etiquette differ? Whether you’re the couple planning the guest list yourself, or you’re a curious wedding guest, read below for some pros, cons, and etiquette for plus-ones and destination weddings.

Pros of plus-ones and destination weddings

When planning a destination wedding at one of our beautiful all-inclusive resorts, there could be some really valuable perks to allowing plus-ones to your destination wedding. Not only will it make guests more comfortable having someone by their side for the duration of your wedding events, but it also could save both of you money.

All-inclusive resorts are based on 2-person occupancies, so by allowing the plus-one, your guests may get the best and most economical rates. Also, the more guests you have, the more perks you may be able to receive with your wedding package, like a free room upgrade, private events, or even discounts on the package rate. Remember, destination weddings are often more casual than a local wedding, as it’s a vacation too, so allowing for plus-ones may act as a security blanket for your guests.

Cons of plus-ones and destination weddings

Not all wedding packages are created equal, and if you’re just beginning your research you may be finding out that some wedding packages include a guest capacity limit. This doesn’t actually limit the number of guests a ceremony can hold, however, it does mean you will have to pay an additional fee beyond the capacity, which can add up. Some of the more intimate ceremony venues also include a hard capacity limit. So if you have your heart set on a specific terrace or garden, you may only be able to invite so many people.

If your reception is not included with the cost, you may also have to pay an additional fee for food and drinks for the extra guests. This is why many couples will be clear in the type of resort they’ve selected. An adults-only resort means just that, and no kids will be allowed at the venue. Another con to wanting to host an intimate destination wedding is that you will have to relay the message to guests who may expect a plus-one, as you will only want the closest of family and friends at your ceremony.

Further Plus-one etiquette

– If you weren’t given a plus-one on the invite, don’t ask for one.
– Be clear about who you are bringing if given a plus-one.
– Don’t add a plus-one on your RSVP simply because you received one, especially if you don’t plan on figuring it out until later.
– Don’t sub your plus-one with someone else later, if you can help it.
– Make sure that both you and your plus-one both wear appropriate attire.

What is the Proper Etiquette for a Destination Wedding?

Destination weddings and US-based weddings are inherently different. With a plethora of sun-soaked resorts and majestic venues at your fingertips, there are many available options to elevate your wedding ceremony. However, with extra factors such as airfare and travel accommodations, what is the proper etiquette for a destination wedding in comparison to a local wedding? Here are our answers to achieving high-quality courtesy:

Who pays for what at a destination wedding?

Ah yes, the age-old question. Whether you’re walking the aisle in Mexico or Jamaica, someone has to pay for this. Between the flower arrangements and airfare, there are plenty of important costs to keep track of. Let’s simplify the list:

The Parents

The Wedding: Both parental sides of the aisle usually pitch in, but they are not obligated to.

Rehearsal Dinner: Rehearsal dinners are typically covered by the parents, with food, drinks, and reservation space included in their bill.

The Couple

The Wedding: Many couples choose to pay for a destination wedding over their parents, but parents can still pay for a portion of the cost.

Hotel and Airfare: You are more than welcome to pay for your friends’ and family’s hotel and airfare, but are not required to. If you have the money, great! If not, don’t feel obligated to scrape the bank account.

If a guest needs financial assistance due to recent major expenses or other financial stress, you can pick up the bill and keep it private.

Pre/Post-Wedding Activities: Looking into hosting a dazzling sunset cruise or delectable private brunch? You might have to foot the bill. On the bright side, hosting a major group event will allow your guests to mingle and get to know each other before the week of a lifetime. However, many deluxe wedding packages will include a welcome party as an inclusion in the upfront charge.

The Guests

Travel: As mentioned above, guests will most likely be required to pay for their own airfare and for their room, which will include all of their food and drinks.

Extra Accommodations: Perhaps your guests desire a late-night steak and lobster dinner, or even a private wine tasting. Since these activities aren’t directly connected to your wedding week, it’ll be up to them to pay for the expenses.

Who gets invited to a destination wedding?

We recommend close friends and family. That means your bridal party, parents, and any close relatives. Because of the uniqueness of your destination wedding celebration, smaller guest lists are actually common. While it would be nice to invite the entirety of your extended family, it would be costly for most parties.

Do you give a gift at a destination wedding?

Considering the expenses that guests spend to attend the ceremony, gift-giving is optional. According to our friends at Honeyfund, however, the process is straightforward. Through their online registry, you can shop through thousands of heartwarming wedding gifts. The best part? You can mail the item without having to take it with you to the destination.

Here are some simple, yet elegant recommended gift options:

Personalized Decanter and Whiskey Glasses

High-Quality Towel

Customized Candles

Do you have to give wedding favors to guests?

Again, you aren’t required to but many couples spring for welcome bags to greet guests upon arrival. In fact, many all-inclusive resorts and their wedding packages offer greeting gifts. Recently, couples have gotten creative with wedding favors, adding personalized surgical masks and hand sanitizer to encourage a safe vacation during the pandemic.

Whether you’re tying the knot or throwing the rice, basic destination wedding etiquette goes a long way. Following the above tips, though optional, will calm the tides of planning and help you enjoy your enchanting wedding week. Because in these times, we all deserve a seamless celebration.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Destination Wedding Etiquette

When to send save the dates, what to wear, do you invite plus ones, do you need wedding favors, what to give as a gift, and so on. There are a lot of questions about wedding dos and don’ts, for both the couple and the guests. A destination wedding brings even more questions about wedding etiquette for guests and for the couple.

There are questions about travel and activities and outfits and budgets, and we’re previously our own do’s and don’t of wedding planning. We understand that destination wedding etiquette can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled our list of specific wedding dos and don’ts for the destination wedding of your dreams. 

When to send save the dates, what to wear, do you invite plus ones, do you need wedding favors, what to give as a gift, and so on. There are a lot of questions about wedding dos and don’ts, for both the couple and the guests. A destination wedding brings even more questions about wedding etiquette for guests and for the couple.

There are questions about travel and activities and outfits and budgets, and we’re previously our own do’s and don’t of wedding planning. We understand that destination wedding etiquette can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled our list of specific wedding dos and don’ts for the destination wedding of your dreams. 

The Do’s of Destination Weddings for Couples 

Destination wedding etiquette for the couple focuses on the planning, communication, and expectations for the event. Our biggest destination wedding tip and our number one “do” is to start planning early. For your sake, and your guests, giving enough time to sort out the logistics and the travel is ideal. Luckily, Destify makes dealing with some of the logistics easier, and all-inclusive weddings mean there’s less to organize. 

Do consider your guest list, and their budgets. While it is your wedding, aiming for a destination and a venue that you know your guests can afford will make it easier for them to celebrate with you. Remember that not everyone you invite will be able to make it. Between travel costs, time off of work, childcare, and other commitments, attending a destination wedding can be a challenge. 

Destination wedding etiquette also focuses on communication. Do communicate clearly with your guests. This will help them plan better, and hopefully mean fewer follow-up questions on your end. A wedding website is a great way to provide details about the destination, travel options, itinerary, accommodations, information about registries, expectations, and logistics. Clear communication includes the invitations – mention what’s included (meals, activities, etc.), and be clear about plus ones. The more clear information there is upfront, the fewer questions there will be later. 

In relation to travel and accommodations, avoid overcomplicated travel. Hotels and resorts often provide transportation to and from airports, but making that information clear to guests can ease some of the travel-related stress for everyone. 

Destination Wedding Etiquette for Guests 

Destination weddings tend to have a much smaller guest list than traditional weddings. If your invitation does not include a plus one, respect that the couple likely did not have enough capacity – not that they don’t like your significant other. 

The earlier you RSVP the better. Destination weddings come with a lot of logistics – hotels, meals, travel plans, and coordination. The earlier the couple knows who is attending, the faster they can start planning the logistics. 

The happy couple has enough to plan and sort out. If you do have questions about the logistics or anything related to the wedding, try to find the answers before asking the bride or groom. Check the wedding website, ask someone from the wedding party, or check the hotel/resort website. 

One of the most common wedding etiquette questions is a variation of “what should I spend on a gift?” Despite being a destination wedding, there is still the tradition that any wedding invitation comes with the obligation of sending a gift to the couple. However, if the destination is particularly expensive, you can opt for a lower-cost gift. 

Sometimes couples may request no gifts to alleviate some of the budget constraints, and in that case, it is up to you to bring a gift or not. When it comes to gifts for destination weddings, don’t plan to bring the gift with you. Even if it’s just cash or a check. There is no need to risk something going wrong with your luggage.  

Destination weddings tend to involve more than just a ceremony and reception. The couple might plan activities such as a welcome dinner, brunches or other meals, excursions, and local cultural experiences. Aim to participate in these activities! Not only are they fun, but the couple worked to plan them for you! 

Destination Wedding Don’ts

Some wedding do’s and don’ts are common sense, but there are certain destination wedding don’ts to consider. Destination wedding tips on what to avoid involve the schedule and local customs. While no one can predict travel delays, and no one hopes for travel delays, one key factor in destination wedding scheduling is ensuring your ceremony isn’t on the first full day. Provide a buffer day between guests’ arrival and the ceremony to account for possible delays.  

Don’t ignore local customs and culture. Respect and embrace the local culture, and make sure you and your guests are aware of local traditions or elements that may be important. Do vendors and staff expect tips? Are there proper greetings you should be using? 

In addition to respecting the local culture, don’t neglect local regulations and requirements. If you want your destination wedding to be legally binding and not just a symbolic celebration, make sure you research the requirements. Don’t forget to have all your documents and paperwork in place. 

Don’t forget a backup plan. Don’t schedule your destination wedding during hurricane season or peak travel season, unless you’re prepared for your plans to change. For your own sake, as a guest or as one getting married, don’t overspend. Weddings can be expensive, trips can be expensive, and when you combine the two there is the potential to overspend. Aim to stick to your budget. 

There are a lot of destination wedding tips and nuances to consider. However, if a destination wedding is your dream, Destify is here to create meaningful memories. We’ll help you plan all the ins and outs, prepare for a plan B, and ensure your guests have all the details, so you can have the wedding you deserve without all the worry. 

Our expert team will help you navigate the destination wedding planning process, from finding your destination to saying “I do!” Planning a wedding shouldn’t be stressful, and Destify will take some of the stress away so couples and wedding guests can focus on the fun. 

For a stress-free destination wedding journey, reach out to Destify. Let us take care of the boring stuff for you, to ensure you’ll never be caught unprepared with tips.