Planning a wedding comes with many questions — including etiquette questions like:
👉 “Should I tip my bridal consultant or seamstress?”
At MB Bride in Greensburg, PA, we get this question a lot! While tipping isn’t expected, knowing what’s customary can help you feel confident and gracious as you work with your team. 💖
Let’s break it down so you know when, why, and how much to tip (if you choose to).
🤵♀️ Do You Tip After Your Bridal Appointment?
Tipping your bridal consultant — the person who helps you find the dress — is not required and is definitely optional. Many professionals in the industry do not expect gratuity, especially since consultants often earn wages or commissions for their work. But if someone goes above and beyond, a tip can be a nice way to show appreciation.
🎀 When you might tip your consultant:
- They spent extra time with you
- They helped handle special requests
- They offered emotional support or went beyond normal duties
- You had multiple appointments with them
How much do brides usually tip?
- $20–$100+, depending on the experience
- Some brides prefer a percentage of the gown price
- Others choose a thoughtful note or small gift
✨ There is no “right” amount—it’s truly about gratitude.
And remember — a kind thank-you note or online review also counts as a meaningful “tip” of appreciation, especially if tipping money feels awkward to you.
👗 Tipping for Bridesmaid & Mother of the Bride/Groom Appointments
Tipping isn’t just for bridal gown appointments! Many guests ask if it’s appropriate to tip a consultant who helped with:
- Bridesmaid dresses
- Mother of the bride dresses
- Mother of the groom dresses
The answer? Absolutely, if you’d like to.
When tipping makes sense:
- The consultant spent extra time finding the perfect fit or style
- You felt truly cared for and supported
- You received expert advice on color, fit, or alterations
🧵 What About Tipping for Alterations?
Your seamstress or alterations team plays an important role in making your dress fit perfectly, so you might wonder if they should be tipped too.
At most bridal salons, tips for alterations are completely optional — the cost you pay for alterations already includes labor charges. However, if you feel the work was truly above and beyond (for example, intricate beadwork or a rush job), a tip is a lovely way to show thanks.
Here are some helpful etiquette ranges:
✨ Standard service: around 10–15% of the alteration cost
✨ Exceptional or complex alterations: 15–20% or more
✨ Flat tip: even $10–$50 for simpler work is appreciated
If you prefer not to tip in cash, a heartfelt note or a positive online review that names your seamstress is equally meaningful.
🕒 When Should You Tip?
If you decide to tip, here are some tips on timing:
🪩 For consultants:
Give the tip at the end of your appointment, when you’ve completed the service — or at your final fitting if you worked with the same stylist over multiple visits.
🪩 For seamstresses:
A natural moment is when you pick up your final altered dress. That lets you thank them after seeing the finished results.
🎁 Alternatives to Tipping
Sometimes tipping money just doesn’t feel right — and that’s okay! There are plenty of thoughtful ways to show appreciation:
💌 Handwritten thank-you note — always treasured
⭐ Online review mentioning your consultant or seamstress by name
📸 Share your wedding day photos so they can see the finale
🎁 Small gift card (coffee, lunch, etc.) as a personal token of thanks
All of these gestures are meaningful ways to recognize someone’s effort — especially when refusals to tip are common and tipping is not required.
💡 Final Words
Tipping in the bridal industry is optional, not mandatory. It’s all about how you feel and how much you want to express your gratitude. Whether you leave a modest tip, write a heartfelt note, or post a glowing review, what matters most is that your appreciation feels genuine.
At MB Bride, our team loves helping brides feel confident and supported — with or without tips! 💕 If you’d like more guidance on your appointment, alterations, or dresses, we’re here to help.
📅 Book your appointment today: https://www.mbbride.com/appointments
👗 Learn more about alterations: https://www.mbbride.com/alterations
🌟 See our bridal gown galleries: https://www.mbbride.com/bridal-gowns