Do I tip this guy extra?

Ali092011

Our venue appoints each couple a maitre d' for the day of the wedding. He basically attends to our needs, makes sure everything runs smoothly, and tells us where we need to be and when.

There is an $800 gratuity worked into our contract, which we have already paid in full. I'm guessing that money has to cover the kitchen staff and the wait staff as well as pretty much anyone else who has a hand in the ceremony or reception, but I'm not sure how many people that is. I'm guessing the maitre d' will be doing the majority of the "work" and will probably be the only one we truly spend any time with. Before I knew there was a gratuity worked into the contract, I was planning on tipping the maitre d' individually, probably around $200.

But now that I know there is a tip worked in already, should I still tip him separately? I don't know if I'm supposed to, or if it's not something that's done, or if it's overkill because he already gets the majority of the tip.

WDYT?

ericaandtom2012

I would ask the venue how that gratuity breaks down, particularly how much of it the maitre d' receives.  If you feel that certain parties deserve more (maitre d' included) then then you should give him the additional tip, especially if it's in your budget. 

julzy

Our maitre d' and bridal attendant are not included in our gratuity and we're expected to give each about $350 to the maitre d' and $200 to the bridal attendant (our wedding coordinator gave us suggested recommendations and envelopes.  I had no idea about this up until last week and was frankly a little annoyed when I found out because we didn't plan on it and $550 is a lot of money on top of an already expensive wedding.  We're going to tip them, but it might be a little less than the recommended amount.

After asking around apparently this is pretty common.

Ali092011

Thank you both. That's a good idea--I'll call the venue and ask how the tip breaks down and probably tip him more--after meeting him and hearing from others how he works, I'm sure he'll deserve it!