There is probably as much confusion about whom to tip at a wedding and how much to tip them  as there is about anything in the wedding process.  Remember that tipping is a personal expression of gratitude for service that is
appreciated.  There is no law that says you have to tip and there is no law that says you can tip more than advised...it is completely up to you.
 
One of the unfortunate things is many service people have come to believe that a tip is owed them, not a reward if they do something good.  This attitude is fostered even more by the fact that gratuities are almost always automatically added to the bill of the hall, the hotel and sometimes even the limousine company.  It truly defeats the purpose of a tip if someone gets it no matter what kind of service they give you.  When a tip is no longer voluntary, but rather mandatory, it becomes a fee, not a gratuity.
 
Yes, I understand the reason for adding it in is to make it more convenient for you, but that is complete baloney.  It is done because the service industry doesn't pay well enough and train well enough so they make you pay for this short fall.

All right, time to get off the soap box.  So what are the guidelines?  Here is a list:

There are many good reasons to work with a wedding planner. A wedding planner can handle all of the details associated with planning a wedding, while saving the couple time and money. Also, they find special rates that a couple wouldn’t necessarily get on their own.

In addition to offering wedding planning services, some wedding planners have expanded into wedding apparel. There are advantages to looking to your wedding planner for your wedding day attire, here are just a few:

• Trust - You have already checked the wedding planner out prior to planning your wedding, so you know him/her.
• Savings - Some wedding planners offer discounts on your wedding day apparel when you book their wedding planning service.
• All-Inclusive Planning/Shopping - Why on earth would you go searching all over town or the internet when one company can handle all of the details of your wedding - including the dress?

This clever strategy is a great key to planning your wedding on a small budget.

I am in every language a hopeless romantic….

I find myself smiling on the inside when I see cute elderly couples holding hands. Whenever I am at a
restaurant I choose a window seat, because I get to gaze out of the window, at the elderly gentlemen who open the car door while his wife waits patiently for him to make it to her side. Without realizing it I have drifted to the future
and wonder if that will be my sweetie and I when I’m 65.

Why did I choose to become a wedding planner…I get to see the couple’s story from the beginning. And, who doesn’t love a happy ending.

After taking on the role of wedding planner while planning my own wedding I realized the importance of hiring one. Even then the thought never crossed my mind to become one. Within my circle I became the go to person for all things party, as well as, the person to transform spaces. It wasn’t until three years ago I realized I wanted to turn a hobby that brings me so much pleasure into a full-time career.

What is it about weddings that I enjoy so much – creating what the couple perceives as the impossible. Yeah, there are times when I have to deal with bridezilla, the fire breathing lady – what makes it all worthwhile. When she is so overjoyed and thanks me for taking the time to listen to her wants and needs; and doing so with a smile each and every time she calls.

It’s funny how fate has a way of guiding you to where you are supposed to be. I didn’t choose to become a wedding
planner it chose me. I get to laugh, cry, and share with the bride and her family, as she writes her next chapter. I get
share in the romance 365 days a year, and a different take on the brides story each and every time. And, boy do I ever enjoy what I do.

As mothers we tell our daughters that prince charming does exist, and we count down the minutes until it’s her turn to take the journey down the aisle where her prince is waiting. I took the path to become a wedding planning, because I want the bride to relish in the moment without worry. And, to know that she has a friend in her corner that's up for the challenge. After all, as mothers we count down the minutes, becasue we want to share in the moment, and hiring a wedding planner affords every mother that luxury.