When to Tip: Specialty vendors include anything like photobooths, balloon arches, food trucks, etc. Typically you don't tip the business owner, but instead, tip the employees.

In 2026, tipping etiquette for event decorators like balloon arch professionals falls into the "appreciated but not mandatory" category, similar to other delivery or installation services. If the decorator is the business owner, a tip is generally not expected, as they set their own rates. However, if an employee or a crew handles the heavy lifting, a tip of $10 to $20 per person (or roughly 10-15% of the labor cost) is a generous way to acknowledge their effort, especially if they had to navigate difficult venue stairs, outdoor wind conditions, or tight setup windows. Many 2026 event planners suggest that instead of a cash tip, providing a positive 5-star review on Google or Yelp with photos of the installation is often more valuable to the business. If you do tip, it is best to hand the cash directly to the installers upon completion of the setup to ensure it reaches the right hands.