Food Gratuity

knottie9be6768dfb0b4a32

i am going through an approved caterer for my venue. They charge 28% service charge/tax (20%/8%) not including gratuity. It’s buffet style. If I provide a 20% that is 48%!! I’ve looked online and they make $16 bucks an hour not including gratuity. What does everyone recommend for tip? 

MyNameIsNot

20% is standard tip in my area.

MRDCle

I would not go any lower than 18%, which is often the gratuity that restaurants in our area tack on for large groups. I personally did 20%.

charlotte989875

I agree that 20% is standard, even on top of the service fee. 

maine7mob

Leave the tax out of this. That goes to the government, not the serving staff. And that service charge? The servers at your wedding won't see 20%. It will go to the venue, and the managers will dole out cuts to everyone who had a hand in your wedding, including themselves. Is it a racket? Probably, but that's no reason not to tip your servers directly. Estimate your bill, including your bar tab, and give a cash envelope for 20% of that to the head bartender or server. This is the only way the people who actually worked at your wedding will get a fair tip.

I wish service workers were paid a living wage so that they didn't have to depend on people not to be stingy, but until that day comes, tip well.

MesmrEwe

While this is totally frustrating, it's sadly the norm with most caterers.  Rare you'll find some that are up front about their pricing without crazy add-on percentages.   As others said, tax, you and the business have zero control over other than "elections have consequences" in the voting booth.   Essentially, it's becoming like wedding dress shopping where we tell brides to half their budget because the other half is going to get eaten up by things like the crinoline, shoes, shapewear, strapless, veil, etc. but with caterers it's going to get doubled by gratuity, service fees, linen/silver/plates, bussing service, etc.