Tips!

[Deleted User]

Hey everyone,

I am getting married this April and finalizing payments for all our vendors. We have a caterer for our reception which is buffet style. So no one is being served. There is a 20% service charge included on our bill. Do we still tip even though its buffet? If so ow much? And who do we give it to if we need to tip? It is so confusing trying to figure out all these tiny details.

charlotte989875

Id recommend checking your contract. Mine specified that servers were paid real wages and did not work on tips so we didn't need to tip. 

That being said I tipped my day of coordinator and the bartenders after we extended the open bar. 

madamerwin

Echo PP, double-check your contract. Ours included an 18% gratuity in the total cost, which went straight to the servers. I think we did end up tipping a little more because they were great, but it was not necessary.

[Deleted User]

I am reading over my contract and I don't see anything about a gratuity. I am using a very well known and used caterer in our area so I don't see why it wouldn't be included.

thefanciestbeckler

Our contract included a 20% service charge, and said that additional gratuity was optional. I did leave a little extra because our caterer did a great job.

kvruns

Can you ask them what is included as the "service charge"

100yroldblinddog

Hi there, just jumping on this thread since OP's issue seems resolved.

I noticed a lot of variable advice out there for how much to tip different people at the reception, specifically when it comes to flat rate amounts for day-of coordinator and DJ (plus assistant). Anyone have suggestions?

levioosa

PPs have covered your question.  OP, if your username is your real name, you should change it.  Internet safety, and all.