AboutWeddings Etc LLC Expertise Wedding traditions, fashions, ceremonies, wedding planning, coordination, customs, how to handle situations that arise, responsibilities, budget planning.
Experience I''ve been a wedding coordinator for 16 years. I authored a WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, a Bride''s Workbook, that is available in local bridal shops. Tattered Cover Bookstores in Denver, CO as well as local Borders Books and through my website. I''ve worked with weddings from just 2 people to 350 guests and all budget ranges. I've also written and teach The Art of Wedding Coordination to those who want to become wedding coordinators.
I am wondering about tipping. The hall and catering adds a 15% tip to the bill. Am I suppose to tip further after that point? Do I tip the DJ-tip isn't in his price?
I am sure this is suppose to be a wonderful time but I am finding it more stressful. Plus I am frustrated with how expensive this one day will cost us.
I am just venting.
Thanks for your help.
Shelly
Answer Hi Shelly,
Don't get discouraged and yes, things do add up.
To me, tipping is something that is given for a job over and above what's expected. One should never expect a tip, however, they are added into the catering as a rule. You need to ask if the "service charge" includes the tip(if the contract doesn't specifically say the tip is included) as sometimes this charge just covers the servers hourly fee and isn't a gratuity. Ask to be sure because if it doesn't include a tip then you'll probably want to add one.
As for the DJ, generally, if they do a good job you can figure $10-20 is a good tip. They are happy with just about anything additionally.
This is a page from my book that may be helpful for you as well:
GRATUITIES
Person(s)to Tip Tip Rate/Amount By whom/when
Baker
Florist
1-20% of total only for very special service.(A tip is not expected but is appropriate if work is exceptional.) Add to bill at time of payment
Photographer
Videographer Send a Thank Yor they can use as a reference for their work
Wedding Consultant
Tip 1-20% of total only for special service. Add tip at time of payment
Caterer Tip 1-20% OF TOTAL FOR SPECIAL SERVICE. Add tip at time of payment
Musicians Tip $10/per person and up
Depending on service
Club Manager If gratuity is not included in fee, tip 15-20%
Bartenders
Table Captain
Waiters/waitresses
(Tip is usually included. Ask to be sure.) If Gratuity is not included in bill, tip is usually give 15-20% of total bill to maitre d’, hotel or captain to distribute to staff Add to bill at time of payment.
Coat/Powder Room
Attendants in
Hotels/Clubs Either flat fee prearranged with hotel/club or pay about $1.00 per guest to staff Flat fee added to bill
(Request signs be set out informing guests gratuity is paid.)
Limo/Carriage
Drivers Tip is 20% of total Bill and usually included in total cost.(Ask to be certain.) Ceremony host pays driver(s) directly at reception site.
Civil Ceremony Official, (Judge, J.P.) Usually charge a flat fee. Some judges may not be allowed to accept money for service. Ask prior to arranging the ceremony. Best man pays Officiant after ceremony. Groom gives money to best man before the service.
Clergy
(Pastor, Priest, Minister, Rabbi, etc.) Usually a donation. Amount depends on size of ceremony. Ask prior to arranging ceremony. Best Man pays official after ceremony. Groom gives best man money before service. Put in envelope in cash.
Car Valet Tip $1-$2 per car If valet is hosted, request valet inform guests gratuity is being taken care of by host.
Skycaps/Bellhops
Doorman Tip 50 cents to $1 for each bag handled. Paid by husband or wife
Hotel
(Chambermaid) Typically tip $1-2 per day; for very special service. Leave tip in envelope on dresser.
[] Envelopes to put gratuities in for distribution.
** If you aren’t comfortable in giving a cash tip to vendors but would like to show your appreciation for a job well done, consider sending a gift basket or a gift certificate along with a thank-you they can use for references.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
