Tipping Guide For Your Awesome Wedding Vendors!

While tipping is not a mandatory expense, it is a thoughtful gesture especially for those vendors that worked so hard to put your big day together. BUT with so many different wedding expenses, gratuities can definitely add up!

Here is a San Diego Wedding Planner's guide on what to tip each of your awesome wedding ceremony & reception vendors so there are no surprises later!

*ATTENTION: certain vendors may already include gratuity so make sure to read each contract carefully!

💰 Who to Tip & How Much

Catering/Staff

15% - 20% OR each server should receive between $20-$50 each, chef between $50-$100 each, venue coordinator $100-$200 (double check contract to make sure gratuity not already included)

Bartenders

15% to 20% (If not accepting tips from guests. Double check contract to make sure bartender gratuity not already included)

DJ's/Band

15% - 20% (gratuity is not usually required, but a tip is a wonderful gesture for excellent service)

Musicians

$25-$50 (per person)

Wedding Planners / Coordinators

10% - 20% (gratuity is not usually required, but a tip is a wonderful gesture for excellent service)

Photographers & Videographers

$100 to $300 per vendor (gratuity is not usually required, but a tip is a wonderful gesture for excellent service)

Florists

10-15% (gratuity is not usually required, but a tip is a wonderful gesture for excellent service)

Cake Delivery

$10-$15 (per person)

Restroom and Coat Check Personnel

$1 per guest (if not accepting tips from guests)

Parking Attendants

$1-$2 per car (if not accepting tips from guests)

Officiants

$100-$500 (donation to church)

$50-$100 (non-denominational)

Transportation Drivers

15% to 20% (double check contract to make sure gratuity not already included)

Hair & Make-up

15% to 20%

📝 Our Pro Tipping Tips

• Assign a trusted tip-giver (planner, parent, or MOH).

• Label envelopes with the vendor’s name and role.

• Include a thank-you card with the cash—it’s the little things!

• Want to tip digitally? Ask vendors in advance if they accept Venmo or Zelle.

💡 Bonus: How to Say Thank You Without Cash

Tight on budget? Don’t worry. There are so many meaningful ways to show appreciation:

• Leave a glowing review on Google, The Knot, or Yelp

• Refer them to newly engaged friends!

  
  

  

  
  

💍 Final Thoughts

Tipping is never mandatory, but it’s a powerful way to express gratitude. Behind every beautiful wedding is a team of vendors pouring their heart into your day. Trust us—they’ll remember your kindness.

Need help managing tips, timelines, or all the wedding-day details? At Willmus Weddings, we’re here to plan with heart and handle it all—beautifully.