Tipping Director of Catering

hbartucci

Hello, We are having our ceremony and reception at a golf course.  The Director of Catering is the person I have been working with on all of the details.  Is this someone that I should tip?  If so, what is appropriate?  I cannot afford to tip her 15% of what the entire reception cost.  Also, she is not there the day of the event.  A banquet manager will be there.  Do I tip him as well?

Thanks!

PirateintheSky

I'm sorry, I don't have an answer for you. 

However, I have a similar question.  I would like to know if the place that does the catering adds in an 18% service and gratuity fee, if all of the tipping of services through the caterer (like bartender, and planner, etc) is covered. 

[Deleted User]

Our reception venue charges us 20% gratuity automatically and then suggests a $2-$5 per person tip for the maitre'd. This is standard in our area. Check on your local board, that may help too.

mkrupar

Typically that automatic gratuity goes directly to the service staffs wages. They are paid two different ways. 1) they earn a high hourly wage ($12-$14/hour) and get no extra gratuity (all of that service charge is already included in their high hourly wage, and anything above that goes directly to the house) 2) they make a lower hourly wage ($2-$5/hour) and the automatic gratuity is divied up among the servers/banquet captains/banquet managers that work the event. Your bartenders are paid the same way, but tend to make extra because guests will tip them (even though they typically aren't allowed tip jars, guests will still feel the need to give them something)

Your Banquet Managers and Directors of Catering (in scenario 1) are Salaried Managers and typically don't make a portion of this. Your Banquet Manager (in scenario 2) is still a salaried manager will usually make 1-2% off of EVERY event. However, your Director of Catering doesn't.

I only know all of this because I've worked as a server/banquet captain/bartender in both scenarios.

Typically Catering Managers/Directors of Catering do not expect gifts/tips. I assist a Catering Manager in my current job, and she'll receive tips, & gifts, but doesn't ever expect them. I used to be an event manager and my weddings almost always tipped me, but again it was never expected.

I would say if your Director of Catering has been extremely helpful and gone above and beyond, I would consider giving them something. If they've simply done their job, then no, especially since they're not going to be there for the event. As far as the banquet manager goes. If you've never met them, never worked with them, and they are there to run your event, then no, you do not have to give them anything either.

hbartucci

Thank you mkrupar!!!  That helps me so much!  I appreciate the explaination.