There's no fixed rule in India the way there is in some countries, which is exactly why so many hosts feel unsure. Here's what we generally see and recommend, based on hundreds of events.
It is appreciated, not expected — with one exception
For most vendors — decorators, sound engineers, photographers — a tip is a genuine bonus for great work, not a baseline expectation baked into the price. The exception is on-ground service staff (waitstaff, valet, setup crew) at larger events, where a collective gratuity is increasingly common and appreciated.
A simple benchmark
For service staff at a wedding-sized event, ₹50–100 per staff member handed to the team lead to distribute is a fair, common range. For standout individual performances — a DJ who read the room perfectly, a photographer who delivered beyond the brief — a personal thank-you tip of a few thousand rupees is a meaningful gesture, entirely optional.
Cash to the team lead, not scattered individually
Handing cash to one team lead to distribute avoids awkwardness and ensures it's actually shared fairly, rather than only the staff you happened to interact with directly receiving anything.
What matters more than the amount
A specific thank-you — naming what someone did well, in front of their supervisor if possible — often means more to vendor teams than the tip itself, and it's the single biggest factor in whether that same team goes the extra mile for your next event.
Not sure how to handle gratuities for your event? Ask your 3Cheer coordinator — we'll give you a realistic number based on your vendor mix and budget.
