Vendor/Maitre D Tipping

FutureMrsW9

Hi Ladies - I know there are other boards out there about this, but being from where we are, I think a lot of the numbers I have been seeing are low.  Who are you all planning to tip?  And how much of a tip are you planning to give, specifically the Maitre D?  I also hired a day-of coordinator, so I'm not sure how that's going to affect the tip for my Maitre D since he won't need to do as much as he would had I not hired a coordinator.  My wedding is at the Olde Mill Inn In Basking Ridge if that helps at all....

HobokensFury

Ask you venue about the Maitre D because my venue includes a 4% gratuity for him on the total bill.

FutureMrsW9

It specifically says in our contract that the tip for the Maitre D is NOT included in the 20% service charge, but it "suggests" 5%.  No offense, but I'm certainly not tipping my Maitre D $1,500 when I JUST heard from him for the first time last Friday and my wedding is 9 weeks away - AND I reached out to him that same day but haven't heard a peep.  I'm all about responsiveness.  That said....regardless, I think 5% is way too much, but I've seen other boards saying $50, which I just laugh at lol.

oxlizxo

My Maitre D also suggested 5%, he is the person I've been communicating with over all wedding details at the venue and is also the Matre D. I think we're going to give him 5% if not a bit more (it's a smaller wedding and a good price). He's been so helpful to us.

But, if you think your maitre d doesn't deserve 5% and isn't doing $1500 worth of work, it's probably okay to tip less, he may not be too happy about it...

In general you should tip everyone, even if they own the company. My fiance works for a wedding studio as a videographer (not the owner) but it's hard work to not get tipped for, even if it's only $50.

I'm not sure about the DOC, I'm not having one.

LADY324

My venue said that $350 is considered a good tip for the Maitre D it is not included in our gratuity either.

abunger

Might be worth talking to the DOC and asking her/his suggestion...

FutureMrsW9

Siiiigh I asked my DOC and she basically talked me through it without giving me a number or %.  She probably feels like it isn't her place.  I like that $350 number!  Depending on how things go with him, I was thinking around $500 would probably be good, especially since there really isn't much for him to do since I've been working with my DOC for 8 months now and they're going to take care of all the set-up the day of (i.e. favor placement, cocktail table decor, escort cards, etc.).

buttrflyah

Our venue contract requires 4%. 

HobokensFury

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_vendormaitre-d-tipping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:49409afc-2790-41ce-a03d-04a2243b074ePost:3ad52468-84b6-449c-ad86-9422ea08f399">Re: Vendor/Maitre D Tipping</a>:
[QUOTE]Our venue contract requires 4%. 
Posted by buttrflyah[/QUOTE]

Ditto. I have to go pay it tomorrow.

keyri06

When I was researching wedding venues & they were giving me prices a lot of the ones that had it in their price it was 3% but then I met with one venue who said it's usually around $1-$2 per person, I think the $2pp is better, $1 sounds to cheap, but I think $300-$350 is ok..I mean esp if you have a DOC they wont be doing much ...I would def not give $1500! LOL

brendapc

I also paid him 4%. HobokenBride --- do you think you will be tipping extra on the night of?

HobokensFury

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_vendormaitre-d-tipping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:49409afc-2790-41ce-a03d-04a2243b074ePost:d30df82a-ae68-48f5-8fd3-85a3ff8a6c89">Re: Vendor/Maitre D Tipping</a>:
[QUOTE]I also paid him 4%. HobokenBride --- do you think you will be tipping extra on the night of?
Posted by brendapc[/QUOTE]

Honestly probably not.  He already got over $600 from me.