Searching other questions, I know that gratuities are not required for photographers, DJs, etc. unless their service was expceptional.
If we give our photographer gratuity, when do we do this if we have already paid in full the cost of his services and our wedding isn't until next week? After the wedding is over, the photographer is still 'working' for you until all the pictures have been developed and sent to the wedding couple (and all services in the contract are finished), right?
The photographer is also coming from another state. When we hired him, he said he wouldn't charge us travelling fees because he had another wedding to shoot in the same area the day before ours. Now I found out that he is not shooting another wedding in the same area. We would like to cover 1 day of his lodging, also.
Do we give gratuities to him immediately after the wedding? We want him to do a good job developing the pictures and albums and send these to us in a timely fashion. We would want to tip him right after the wedding to continue the good work, but at the same time, his services are not done and we don't really know if his services are great until the final pictures are received. So when is the appropriate time to give the gratuities?
The Video Pros
Video Forum Moderator
Jun 10, 2006, 6:16 PM
Post #2 of 4
(3678 views)
Re: [BTB] When do we give photographer gratuities?
[In reply to]
Depending on a photographer's fee structure, they sometimes have lodging and travel figured into the package, as many like to arrive the day before, shoot the wedding, then stay the night and head for home the next day after they are rested.
Regarding gratuity, one May wedding we did, the couple sent us some venetian lace from their honeymoon trip to Italy and included a check along with the gift. We received it right before Christmas, and it was such a nice and unexpected gift that made us feel great.
If the photographer does an excellent job and delivers all the things he says he will, the best gratuity is to sing his praises to all of your friends and associates and be sure to remember his name and phone number when people ask you if you know of a "good" photographer.
If and when you do refer someone, be sure to send a short note or place a call to the photographer and provide them with your friend's name. This basic networking skill will ensure that your friends are provided the same excellent service that you received, as it helps reinforce the idea that good deeds are appreciated and bear fruit.
Sometimes the best gratuity is having an appreciative client who is kind and considerate, values the skills being provided and allows the professional photographer to do his job without constant interruption and unnecessary bother.
When all is said and done, be sure that you own the negatives so that you will have control over the images for future use, if you so desire. Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
expertplanner
BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Jun 10, 2006, 8:47 PM
Post #3 of 4
(3676 views)
Re: [BTB] When do we give photographer gratuities?
[In reply to]
Your gratuity would be to reward the photographer on the service he provided to you, and the way he worked with you up to and on the day of the wedding. Therefore, to your question about him still 'working for you after the wedding and doing so until all the pictures are developed'...if you are going to give him a gratuity, you should do it as soon after the wedding as reasonably possible. Either the following week or when you return from your honeymoon would be good. Rhonda Allen, Bridal Consultant New Beginnings Weddings
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Jun 11, 2006, 9:30 AM
Post #4 of 4
(3671 views)
Re: [BTB] When do we give photographer gratuities?
[In reply to]
In a perfect world all service professionals should provide their best service regardless of tip. This photographer seems to be a decent vendor so I'm guessing that he will give you his best service for which you are already paying. If, after he delivers the photographs, you decide he has gone above and beyond the call of duty you can then decide to tip him and offer referrals as suggested by our other experts.
Consider this:
Do you tip the waiter before he brings your meal to ensure that he provides good service? Of course not, so, the same theory should apply to all tipping. If the service provider gives great service and you want to award him for going the extra mile, then do so. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
When do we give photographer gratuities?
all service professionals should provide their best service regardless of tip. This photographer seems to be a decent vendor so I'm guessing that he will give you his best service for which you are already paying. If, after he delivers the photographs, you decide he has gone above and beyond the call of duty you can then decide to tip him and offer referrals as suggested by our other experts. 