Tips???

Jacklyn27

My ceremony and reception are being held at a Hotel. The catering is done through the hotel as well as the bartending.  Do i have to tip the waiters/bartenders/caterers?  or is all of that included in the initial fee with the hotel?  Also, about how much do you tip your DJ/photographer/makeup...?  I am assuming it is based on how much each of them cost, but any advice is helpful. Thanks...

lilmermaid1582

there are gratuities included in my hotel and i have been told that they are not allowed to accept tips.

My brother suggested $50 to the photo, dj, (he is a dj) and i am going to give 15 to 20% to hair and makeup

squirrly

Ask the venue if the servers will be tipped from the gratuity/service fees you'll be paying, or if they should be tipped separately. 

As for other vendors, tip based on how well they did and a % of the bill.  20% for good service is pretty standard.

doctabroccoli

My hotel venue includes 22% gratuity plus 9.5% tax.  All the other hotel venues we looked at were exactly the same.  You should check for sure, but most likely, it's included.

Beachy730

Ditto PPs.  Ask the hotel if gratuity is included in the bill.  I would assume all venues include gratuity to ensure their employees are compensated, but thats not always the case. 

As for your vendors, its said that if they own their own business they don't need to be tipped, since that money is all going to the them.  Our DJ, photographer, and photo booth operator all worked for themselves, but we tipped them each $50 anyways but they did such a great job.  Our limo driver had 20% included but we ended up giving him an extra $50 on the wedding day because he was great. 

As for hair/maleup, I always tip at least 20%. 

stephasuasu

Have you signed a contract yet? This should be outlined in detail. Ours was 22% gratuity with 9% sales tax, no ifs ands or buts. In reality, you are 22% on the entire reception, and not just the food as this gratuity is added to your total bill with the hotel. Your guests will most likely tip the bar tenders at the wedding here and there as well, or you could offer up a little more if you felt that it was needed.

CSTK1910

Definitely check your contract, and if you are still not sure then ask. At one of our possible venues there was a 20% service charge, and they said specifically that it did not include gratuity. At the venue we chose, there is a 20% service charge, and they said specifically that it DOES include gratuity. So it completely depends on the location.