The caterers worked from dawn, the DJ played two hours longer than planned, and the ushers stood at the gate in the sun all afternoon. At the end of the night, many couples want to say thank you with more than words. Tipping wedding vendors is not required in Ghana, but it is common, and it helps to plan for it.
Check the contract first
Some vendors include service charges in their price. Read contracts carefully. If a service charge is already included, an extra tip is optional.
Who is commonly tipped
Couples often tip the people who work behind the scenes and are paid least: catering staff and servers, ushers, drivers, cleaners and venue staff, and the assistants of photographers and makeup artists. Owners of large businesses are less often tipped, though a thank-you note or review is always appreciated.
How much
There is no fixed amount. Many couples set aside a small percentage of their total budget for tips and thank-you gifts. For individual staff, a modest cash gift in an envelope is common. For teams, such as catering staff, one envelope for the team leader to share works well.
The MC and the DJ
If your MC or DJ went beyond their contract, for example by staying late or handling a crisis, a tip or gift recognises that. If they are friends doing it for free, a thoughtful gift is appropriate.
Drivers
Drivers who transport the bride, the couple or family members often wait for hours. A tip, plus food and water during the day, is appreciated.
Prepare envelopes
Prepare labelled envelopes before the wedding and give them to a trusted person, such as your coordinator or a family member, to hand out at the end. The couple should not have to carry cash during the celebration.
Feed the vendors
One of the simplest ways to look after vendors is to make sure they are fed. Many contracts include meals for vendor teams. Hungry workers at a long Ghanaian wedding are less likely to do their best.
Reviews and referrals
For small businesses, a positive review on social media or a recommendation to friends can be worth more than cash. Tag your vendors when you post wedding photos, with their permission.
Budget early
Include tips and vendor meals in your budget spreadsheet from the start, so they do not become a last-minute strain.
A wedding is the work of dozens of people. A small envelope and a sincere thank-you are a way of acknowledging that most of them were working while everyone else celebrated.
