Tipping in Iceland || Iceland Wedding Planner Advice

Most people think that when traveling to European countries it’s a faux-pas to tip, but that is not true anymore, especially in Iceland.  My rule of thumb and what I tell all of my Iceland adventure wedding clients, is to waiver on the side of tipping people.  And to also tip more when you feel you have received exceptional service.  For example, if someone goes the extra mile for you, I would suggest showing your appreciated by tipping 15-25% of the service cost to them.  Note: The cost of living in Iceland is very similar to living in NYC/LAX on far smaller salaries.  Tipping also depending on the time you have spent with them as well.

So who do you tip and when do you tip them?  Here are the folks that make your Iceland wedding day smooth and how you may show your appreciation for their time and attention in making your Iceland wedding day unforgettable!  (Side Note: This cost would be in addition to their base fee’s):

  • Iceland Hair Stylist: $30-60 USD
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Makeup Artist: $30-60 USD
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Wedding Day Transportation: $100-300 USD to each driver
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Wedding Celebrant: $50-100 USD or a donation to their organization
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Wedding Photographer (each): $100-400 USD per person depending on hours covered (half day versus full day)
    • When to Tip: After you have received the final product.
  • Iceland Wedding Videographer: $100-400 USD per person
    • When to Tip: After you have received the final product.
  • Iceland Wedding Planner: $100-500 USD or a thoughtful gift.
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Wedding Day of Planner (Coordinator): $100-300 USD
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Wedding Reception Waitstaff: $50-100 USD per person
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Wedding Ceremony Musicians: $50-100 USD per person playing
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Iceland Wedding Reception Musicians: $50-100 USD per person  playing
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Any Post Wedding Adventure Guides (Ice Climbing, Scuba Diving, Caving, Snorkeling, Glacier Guides, Inside Volcano Guides, etc): $25-100 USD
    • When to Tip: Immediately following your service.
  • Waitstaff at Restaurants during your Iceland Post Wedding Adventures: 15-25% (note, some places do not offer a “tip line” so cash is appreciated!).

All Iceland wedding vendors, are happy to accept tips in ISK or USD/CAD, so no worries on exchanging monies!  You may want to plan on $500-1,000+ USD in your Iceland wedding budget for tipping during your day.  Maybe even have them in in thank you cards/envelopes ready to go.  In the meantime, I hope this post is helpful to you as you plan your epic Iceland wedding day adventure!

With a smile, Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

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