Tipping WWYD

Just Jen

So one of the things we liked about how our venue operates is that the pp price incorporates everything except tax. So gratuities are included. However, our contract says this:"Your fee to us includes service and gratuities. Please feel free, however, to express your appreciation to the service staff by leaving a tip, which may be distributed by the Maitre' D. A normal tip would be about $25.00 per service person, $50.00 per bartender and $200 for the Maitre' D."This, of course, makes e feel like they expect more tips. Am I cheap-ass bastard if I don't tip on top of the pp?

USER876

If they are included I wouldn't bother

yusi196

Sorry dont know why it posted on bold. I forgot to say that we are planning on giving a tip to the bartender prior to the beginning of the reception and the maitre'd; that's it!

uppereastgirl

"Our professionals are the best in the industry a %5-10% tip is greatly appreciated" is such a silly and unprofessional statement that I would ignore it and give what you'd give anyway.  If they're really the best in the industry, they'll charge more and therefore earn more, and they won't need to tell you what to tip because you'll be so overwhelmed by their work that you'll do so anyway.As far as the original question goes, I think it depends on how happy you are with everything and whether you think everyone was well taken care of.  The contractual gratuity at our venue covered everything and staff were not allowed to accept additional gratuities, but even if they were we probably would have opted out.  We were already paying over $50 per guest in gratuities, which seemed like plenty to go around?

Danes983

UGH NO!  I would not be giving each server $25 bucks. In my case there could be 20 servers. THATS CRAZY.  I will be taking care of the matire d and thats all.  The 20% gratutity or whatever % your paying should cover the servers. As far as the bar, I will be having a tip jar out.  I know some places and people think its tacky, but you know what I dont care.  If people want to tip they will regardless of if there is a jar out or not and most times at a wedding I have seen people tip the bar and its just a pile of messy money on the bar. Far  more tacky imo.

yusi196

uppereast that's exactly how I feel.

uppereastgirl

Danes, do not do the tip jar!

smw42

I am passionate about no tip jar! If I see one the day of it is getting put away ASAP

Just Jen

Thanks, all. I've been wavering. When I first saw the contract, I was like, "Nuh-uh -- you told me tip was included and I'm holding you to that." But then I started to feel guilty ...

justkris10

Don't feel guilty; its not necessary - that is why they incorporate it into the contract.