Tipping in Germany: A Guide for wedding couples and guests from abroad
As a wedding planner in Bavaria, Germany, I´m trying to give you some assistance with the FAQs about a wedding in Germany. The tipping culture is a questions that comes up very often shortly before the wedding. If you’re travelling from the U.S., you’re probably used to tipping everywhere: restaurants, bakery, taxis, even at the hairdresser. In Germany, it works a little bit different—but don’t worry, it’s easier than it seems. To make sure you feel confident on your big day and at all events around, here’s a quick guide to German tipping culture.
1. Restaurants: No percent rule, just a friendly recommendation
In the U.S., tipping 15–20% is standard. In Germany, it’s not mandatory but common and welcome.
- Most bills do not include a service charge, so a tip is customary – but not mandatory. It depends a lot on how satisfied you were with service etc.
- A general guideline is around 10 % (restaurants), often rounded up to the nearest Euro. It can be more if you were really happy.
- Important: Give the tip directly when paying, not left on the table. You can say:
“Stimmt so” (keep the change) or specify the total:
“The bill is € 26,50 , I’ll give you € 30″. - Not all restaurants accept tipp on the card, it´s always a good idea to have some cash available, wherever you go.
💡 Tip: In fancy restaurants, a little extra is appreciated, but it’s never obligatory like in the U.S.
2. Taxi & shuttle services: Round up politely
It’s common in Germany to round up to the next euro or two. Example:
- Amount: € 18.50 → Tip: € 1.50, pay € 20
- Longer rides or lots of luggage: a larger tip is nice, but not mandatory, depending on the amount € 5 – 10
💡 Tip: Taxi drivers don’t expect 15 %—5–10 % is more than enough.
3. Wedding vendors: Stylist, photographer etc.
For hair and makeup on your wedding day if you visit a salon:
- 5–10% is typical, depending on your satisfaction
- Many service providers appreciate a small cash tip, especially if paying by card
- If you have self-employed vendors (like photographer, stylist etc.) they are not expecting a tip. Of course they are happy to receive some extra cash, but a little gift (chocolates or something individual) and a great google review is probably the best you can do for them.
4. Events & Weddings: Stay flexible
For weddings in Germany:
- The catering staff is paid already, but they are always happy (wether it´s venue or extern catering) to receive some tipp. They are usually working a lot of hours, preparing and taking care of all of you for the whole day and night. Best is to ask at the venue / catering before how many people will work on your wedding and then do an amount between € 20 and € 50 per person. Sometimes venues ask for tipp as mandatory – careful, that is not legal. Like in restaurants it is optional and depends on your satisfaction. Always a good idea NOT to pay tipp in advance.
- Musicians, DJs, entertainers: A small tip or gift for excellent performance is appreciated – and a great google review!
- Hotels: Most hotels have a common tipp possibility during check-out. Otherwise, we would recommend to leave something for the housekeeping staff. They do not earn much money and tipp is welcome. € 5, – € 10,- on your pillow on departure day (depending on the length of your stay).
💡 Tip: Overall, Germany is less tip-focused than the U.S., but small gestures are always welcome.
5. Quick summary: How to tipp confident in Germany
| Situation | Typical Tip | Notes |
| Restaurant | 10 % standard | Give directly when paying |
| Taxi | Round up | Usually to the next € |
| Hair/Beauty | 5 – 10 % | Cash or with payment |
| Catering/Event Staff | ask for headcount, € 20 – 50 p. p. | especially for great service |
| Hotels | individual |
Tipping in Germany is nice, but not required, and amounts are usually lower than in the U.S. A little rounding up or a few extra euros shows appreciation—and you’ll feel like a local guest in no time.
💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re unsure, watch what others do or ask discreetly. German service staff is relaxed—it’s more about friendliness than percentages. And in Germany it is ok to talk about money and ask questions, especially in tourism regions.
If you need more help and assistance in planning your wedding or elopement in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, get in touch: 4 weddings & events, wedding planner Germany
