Tipping the Maitre 'D

GK2009

Hello!If you wouldn't mind sharing-- how much did you or are you planning to tip your Maitre 'D?  I was just told that it is standard to tip $1500- $2000.. somewhere in that range.  I thought it seemed excessive, but I want to be fair to my Maitre 'D if this is what he usually receives at an affair.  I should also mention that there are some tips already built into the contract.  Is this standard for a tip?Thanks for your help!!!

erikag23

that is ridiculous.  we tipped our even coordinator (there was a maitre'd at our venue)  $250.00.  plus, she was included in the split of the 20% gratuiuty we paid for each guest.

LeandraCat

6% is what we were told, when we got married

uppereastgirl

That sounds like a lot, particularly if it is all going to him.  Say your venue has 3 events a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)-- if he's getting the $1500 all three times, that works out to over $200,000 a year in tips for three nights a week of work.  If that's typical, I need to quit my day job and become a maitre d'.

30may09bride

I didn't give mine a penny.  I went in with the intention of giving like $200 or $300, but I barely saw her, and other people really took care of us, and there were too many of them to just give one a tip, and I was told several times that tips are all included, so I didn't tip anyone.  Check with your sales person and see what is normal there.

Danes983

Each place is different. My place that seems about right. Other places a lot lower because they pay their Maitre D more in salary.  I would pick a number and put it in an envelope. Then if all goes well hand over, if not take a little out. I know some people dont like to be bothered with this but I would be just for this person because its so much.  The rest of the tips go to the BM.

Danes983

Oh where r u having your reception?

Amerz20

Our venue told us $300-$500. So we did $400.  

USER876

All of the tips and service fees were included in the 20% we paid on top of our pp price.  If you are already paying 20% I wouldn't be tipping that much extra.  It's not your problem that the venue expects the customer to pay their employee's salaries.  What do they actually do on the day of to justify that kind of tip.

Lolyalyssa

Some venues say its 4% or 5% on top of the 20% gratuity you are already paying and some just say the 20% gratuity. Generally, thought, its the the salesperson are talking to that stands to get this 4 or 5%. If you know this, ask them to cut the price per head or throw in a Vienesse hour etc.  They would rather give you extras then loose their tip.

alliecarrie41

we tipped our maitre'd $3pp.