Is the Service Charge the tip?

GiGiV2012

So my venue does charge us a service charge. I've been reading other blogs that say if there's a service charge fee, that no tip is necessary.

I'm in charge of the $$ for all tips so I'm trying to figure all of that out.

Do I need to give an additional tip?

jcg98

Is the service charge a percentage of the total?  I'm trying to remember is my venue called it "service charge" or "gratuity".  It was 18%.  We didn't tip any additional except to our Maitre d' which I think we calculated to about 4%.

GiGiV2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_is-the-service-charge-the-tip?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:611bbd5c-db74-48d7-baea-2217029e1f00Post:228c0745-190c-430b-907a-abfcb43a72f1">Re: Is the Service Charge the tip?</a>:
[QUOTE]Is the service charge a percentage of the total?  I'm trying to remember is my venue called it "service charge" or "gratuity".  It was 18%.  We didn't tip any additional except to our Maitre d' which I think we calculated to about 4%.
Posted by jcg98[/QUOTE]


Yes, I did the math. The amount they charged for the "service charge" is around 18%.

kozacs

We tipped the Maitre d' as well, but I cannot remember how much, a couple hundred dollars maybe?  I also tipped the bridal attendant, even though I knew she got a cut from the Maitre d', because she was so fantastic. 

LmayB2B

Definitely read the contract carefully! I know a lot of catering halls are very deceptive when it comes to this stuff...my little brother used to work as a server for Seasons in Washington Township and he told me that the servers were paid 11/hour and then the massive, mandatory tip was split 3 ways: 1/3 to the metra d, 1/3 to the GM, and 1/3 to the HOUSE! I also have an Uncle who booked a party there a few years ago and he said the contract is very deceiving. He was under the impression that the tip was split amongst the staff, NOT going to the filthy rich owners...

lconoran

Also check your contract for a specific maitre d' fee. Ours is a "service fee" (18%) as well as a "maitre d' fee" (3%)

xxstardust

Depends on the venue. Where I work, it's not a gratuity - it's what pays our salary. That's not true everywhere. Clarify with your venue. (We get no tip SO OFTEN, because people assume it's a gratuity. Of course, my boss does little to discourge this line of thinking).

Where we're having our wedding, staff salary is included and the maitre d' fee is split among all staff instead of going just to the maitre d'.

nmsterni914

I know in my venue the service charge was tip for the staff just not the maitre 'd. Id call and ask. Thats what i did just to make sure.