Wedding Etiquette Forum

Parking

Our venue requires valet parking because it shares a parking lot with other businesses and could be confusing to guests.  We can either pay for it ourselves or the guests pay $5 per car.   FI is leaning towards having the guests pay for themselves since it's not that much, but I think we should pay.  It'll be about $250 if we pay for it ourselves so it's definitely not a large line item in the budget. 

I do have one concern that if we pay, the guests may not know and still leave a few dollars for the guys.  It's not a huge deal, but I don't want them to feel obligated to pay if we've already covered it for them.

What do you all think?  Did you pay for parking for your guests (if parking wasn't free)?

Re: Parking

  • Pay for their parking, if they still tip then great.  Some people don't carry cash and would have problems parking if you don't pay for it.
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  • I think you should pay for the parking.  To me, not paying for parking is worse than a cash bar.  A person can choose not to have any alcohol but you can't choose to park your car or not...you just do. 

    As far as making your guests aware, I'm not sure but could you have a sign that reads all guests for X and Y's wedding are covered or something?  My brain died this afternoon so if thats a horrible idea I apologize.
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  • We will be paying for the parking (which could be $10+/car).  It's just polite.
  • I would pay for the parking. Find a way to include it on one of your inserts or something to give guests the heads up. I always forget to carry cash, so I would be much appreciative if I didn't have to worry about it.

    If people tip, then that is fine, but at least they won't feel obligated to do so.
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  • Pay for their parking.
  • I would pay for the parking. You can add a note on your map or reception card insert that valet parking is provided.
  • We have a valet, and I'm going to tip them, but if a guest tips them, whatever. We also have a shuttle, so I'm not sure how many people will use the valet.

    I would definitely pay and make a note about it, either on an insert in your invitation or at the very least on your website. "Complimentary valet parking is available at the reception venue. Please tell the valet you are with the Smith/Jones wedding."
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  • Thanks for the input.  Maybe I will put it on the directions insert and/or the website.
  • The proper way to handle this is for you to cover the costs, but do not mention it anywhere, no signs, nothing on the website. If you say anything about it, it'll sound like you're being conceited or fishing for gratitude. Instead, you (or the venue) instructs the valets not to accept any tips. This way, if someone tries to tip, the valet guy will politely say "it's been taken care of." That's how it should work with restroom attendants, coat check attendants, and anyone else who guests may tip.
  • We have a similar issue. Our valet is included with the venue, but we plan to pay the tip. I'm sure some guests will tip also, but that's okay. I included a note on the website that said "Self parking is very limited, so please take advantage of complimentary valet parking."
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