Tipping Bridal Consultant

Certainly optional, but YES, they provide a service. If you feel they've done a great job, it's very much appreciated to reward them. However, it is absolutely up to you of course. Some brides go into bridal stores just to play dress up with no intention of purchasing, or they bring large groups that require a lot of the stylist's attention which can be draining. I've been a bridal stylist in the past, majority of appointments do not tip, and we do not ask for it, but I have received between $20 - $40 per appointment in the past from brides that purchased/didn't purchase, and it was much appreciated, made me feel like I really excelled and made the brides happy. If you don't want to tip, maybe give your stylist a shout-out over a Google review. That may help them too and it costs no additional $ for you!

I tipped 10%. I'm known to over tip, so in the moment I went with the highest amount listed on their app outside of a custom amount. It's confusing these days whether the tip in the app goes to an individual or is split across the floor. I also mentioned her by name in their feedback form and gave them permission to use it in their marketing. In retrospect, you may just call ahead of time and ask what is typical/courteous in that particular boutique or store — that way you don't have to make that decision on the spot in addition to the bigger decision of committing to a dress. And to be honest, it's going to also depend on your budget. Maybe it feels small, but it all adds up in the end and when the dress price is high, that percentage of tip is too.

I can understand not tipping (or defending not tipping) if you were purchasing at the store one or more dresses. However, if you go and use their services but just end up not purchasing for whatever reasons -maybe you didn’t find “your” dress- I would think a tip for their services and time spent helping wouldn’t be horrible. I don’t think it’s that controversial.

This is the job. It is the responsibility of the owner to pay employees a decent wage. I agree with the PP who said tip culture is out of control.

I’d like to give a little more insight about this as someone who works at a bridal store. Now this is just the one I work at specifically, but I’m pretty sure it’s mostly average. I make $13 an hour, 2% commission. That’s it, unless someone tips. We will spend between 1.5 -3 hours pulling every dress, asking the bride questions, narrowing down her style, helping her into and out of every dress, then ordering, making a contract up, answering all the questions. Then we put everything away ourselves. It’s actually a lot of work, but it’s super rewarding to help someone find their dress! However, the pay is really not rewarding in the slightest. I know tipping culture is out of control in general, but it’s the same idea as going to a hair stylist or a nail lady. We’re tailoring everything to you specifically, trying to get you your desired look in BUDGET, and using our knowledge and expertise to execute what you’re looking for. Just some insight maybe so anyone who thinks that bridal consultants don’t deserve tips… typically the commission is NOWHERE near the % you might think it is.

Yes! They usually make minimum wage and commission is usually only 1-3% on a dress not including any accessories or packages that you purchase. So if you purchase a $2000 dress, they’re making anywhere from $20-$60 for spending 1-2 hours helping you. They carry the gowns to and from the dressing rooms, they listen to your likes and dislikes, they pull gowns based on what you’re liking, then they clean up the suite and put all gowns and accessories away once you’re gone. And sometimes a consultant may only have 1-2 brides in a pay period so say they’re making $13/hr and sell 2 $2000 gowns, they’re making about an $800 paycheck after taxes. You’re paying for their time and service just like you tip a server except there’s a lot more happening with them being with you the entire time. You’re not obligated to tip, but they are SO SO SO appreciated.

View Quoted Comment It is out of control, but the employees can’t do anything if the owner isn’t paying them enough. So consultants work very hard to earn tips so that they can also pay their bills. It’s unfortunate

View Quoted Comment HAHA ma’am a bridal consultant gets to know what you like, takes care of expensive gowns, listens to what you like and pulls new gowns and accessories and helps you for 1-2 hours. I’ve worked in retail for years and now in bridal and it’s so much more difficult mentally

View Quoted Comment I was so blown away by my bridal consultant. She was amazing and really went above and beyond to find me the perfect dress. After each round of dresses she was really trying her hardest to narrow down what I wanted. I ended up trying on around 10-12 dresses and she was so patient never rushing me. I know for a fact the consultants at the bridal shop that I went to in Minnesota do not get a commission, so I think tipping is super important for them. I gave her a well deserved 10% tip but I would say even 5% would be a nice tip.