Catering Staff: If gratuity isn't included in the contract, consider tipping 15-20% of the total catering bill. Check your contract to see if a service charge has already been added.

Photographer and Videographer: Tipping is not always expected, but if they went above and beyond or if it's not included in the contract, consider tipping $50 to $200 per person or giving a small gift.

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Tipping is not always expected, but if they've gone the extra mile, consider a gift or a tip of $100 to $500.

Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists: Tipping 15-20% of the total bill, especially if they traveled to your location, is a good guideline.

Florists: Tipping is not common for florists. However, if you received exceptional service, consider a small gift or a tip of $20 to $50 per person.

Musicians/DJs/Bands: If gratuity is not included in the contract, consider tipping 10-15% of the total bill or $50 to $100 per member.

Officiant: If the officiant is a religious figure, check with your specific faith's guidelines. If they're a civil officiant, a tip of $50 to $100 is thoughtful.

Transportation Drivers: If gratuity isn't included, consider tipping 15-20% of the total bill. For bus or limo drivers, $50 to $100 per driver is a common guideline.

Servers and Bartenders: If gratuity isn't included in the contract, consider tipping 15-20% of the total bill, which is typically passed on to the staff.

Delivery Personnel: For vendors delivering items like cakes, rental equipment, or flowers, consider tipping $20 to $50 per person, depending on the complexity of the setup.

Venue Staff: If the venue has its own staff handling setup, teardown, and general assistance, consider tipping $20 to $50 per staff member.

Rental Equipment Staff: If you're renting items like tents, chairs, or linens, consider tipping $20 to $50 per person involved in the setup and teardown.

​Remember that these are general guidelines and tipping practices can vary based on location, culture, and the level of service you receive. If you're unsure about whether or how much to tip, you can always consult your wedding planner or research local customs. Ultimately, the decision to tip should be based on your satisfaction with the vendor's service and your own budget.

🤝 Set clear boundaries: Open and honest communication is key! It's important to let your family and friends know that while you appreciate their enthusiasm and support, you and your partner also need space to make decisions that reflect your own vision for the big day. Boundaries may include specifying which aspects are open for discussion and which are non-negotiable or off-limits.

💖 Embrace their enthusiasm: Remember, your loved ones are genuinely excited for you! Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try to channel that energy in a positive way. Create a list of tasks where their involvement would be most helpful, such as researching vendors, DIY projects, or even organizing smaller pre-wedding events. This way, they feel included without encroaching on your final decisions.

💬 Share updates selectively: If constant inquiries become too much, providing periodic updates can help manage expectations without feeling overwhelmed. Share updates on specific aspects of your wedding planning process, such as the venue, theme, or menu, to keep everyone involved and excited, but maintain control over the final details.

💌 Remember it's your day: At times, people may impose their own preferences onto your wedding plans unknowingly. Politely remind them that it is you and your partner's special day and that you value their opinions, but ultimately, the final decisions rest with the two of you. This gentle reminder reinforces that you appreciate their input while ensuring that you maintain control over the overall vision.

🤗 Seek support from the pros: Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator who can help mediate tensions and provide professional advice. They are experienced in managing expectations and can help strike a balance between incorporating loved ones' wishes while maintaining the couple's desired outcome.

💕 Remember the love: Lastly, during times of stress or overwhelming expectations, never lose sight of the love and joy that surrounds your special day. It’s all about celebrating your unique journey as a couple. Focus on what truly matters: marrying the love of your life and creating beautiful memories together!

Most couples feel generally unprepared when meeting with me for the first time because they aren't sure what questions they should be asking.

If you're like me, you want to know you're making the best decision, especially for an event as special as your wedding day.

Here is a great list of questions you can have on-hand so you can feel prepared when you're interviewing for your wedding officiant and confident when you make your decision.