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Wedding Etiquette Forum

Tip Officiant?? If so, how much?

Hi!

It's getting really close to go time, and I'm sadly just now realizing that I have to tip all these people! Ugh! Honestly, I feel like tipping is kind of redundant and annyoing when the person owns their own business. However, my photographer is the owner of his business and specifically states something on his contract about how tips are greatly appreciated. I don't want to be a jerk...so I guess I am going to tip him (I know he will be good, but it's just so expensive already...tipping is like overkill).

Anyways...now I'm realizing that maybe I need to tip all my other people. My officiant is charging $300. Should I tip her? If so, how much? Do we do the standard 15-20% with all these people? I am getting my flowers and cake from Publix, do I tip them??

Thanks!

Re: Tip Officiant?? If so, how much?

  • As far as the photographer goes, if someone owns their own business, you do not have to tip them.  I'm sure tips are appreciated, but definitely not necessary.

    I'm guessing that Publix has a policy where their employees can't be tipped - but you could ask the store manager.  I probably wouldn't if I were you.

    Sorry, I have no idea about the officiant!
  • You dont not have to tip you're photographer if he/she owns her business.

    Im no help in the other areas, I dont know how much is an appropriate amount to tip other vendors.

    Sorry to take over your post but i have my own tipping question. Do most people tip their caterers 15% on top of their bill or do they go out & tip the bartenders/waitors/waitresses individually with some amount of cash?

    522805_10151186959893168_80368830_n_zps80e4c057
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  • I think there is a tip cheat sheet on chit chat...or it could be here...I don't remember. The caterer is probably already charging you a service charge which is the same as gratuity. I would not go tip each individual employee 1520...that could get pretty expensive depending on how much your catering is and how many workers there are.
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  • Thanks guys. I actually googled this also and found this article on theknot.

    http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx

    I think there is some info there about tipping wait staff, DileniN.
  • You don't have to tip the officiant if they are charging you.  Grocery store employees should not receive tips. 
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tip-officiant-if-so-how-much?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:ad9e59d9-4347-445a-91c9-7d3ac910b62dPost:e78bbe07-3e46-40c5-91f0-17df7bbda0dd">Re:Tip Officiant?? If so, how much?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think there is a tip cheat sheet on chit chat...or it could be here...I don't remember. The caterer is probably already charging you a service charge which is the same as gratuity. I would not go tip each individual employee 1520...that could get pretty expensive depending on how much your catering is and how many workers there are.
    Posted by crash2729[/QUOTE]
    I dont think the caterers are charging us a service charge, i went thru the break down and it was included. My WP has alloted 15% tip to the caterering services in the budget so since they arent charging us a service charge we tip 15%?

    522805_10151186959893168_80368830_n_zps80e4c057
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  • On second thought, I am speaking with my Pastor today, I will ask him.  I know he charges a flat fee for his service if you are not a member, but I really doubt he would accept tips.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tip-officiant-if-so-how-much?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:ad9e59d9-4347-445a-91c9-7d3ac910b62dPost:89e694b0-7a42-4d7b-b62c-387edc38090a">Re: Tip Officiant?? If so, how much?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Thanks guys. I actually googled this also and found this article on theknot. <a href="http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx">http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx</a> I think there is some info there about tipping wait staff, DileniN.
    Posted by hbbdolphin[/QUOTE]
    Thank you!

    522805_10151186959893168_80368830_n_zps80e4c057
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  • Regarding the pastor, does the fee that you have to pay go to him or to the church (assuming you're getting married in a church?) If it's the latter, you could consider giving the pastor something additional that's just for him.
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  • LambbopLambbop member
    100 Comments
    edited May 2012
    In regards to tipping waiters/waitresses--

    I've been a cater waitress for many weddings and our pay was a combination of billed expense and tips: We got a flat rate ($6/hr) from the catering company and then they split the gratuity among the servers. I'm not sure if that's how everyone does it; but I'm guessing if you pay a gratuity to the company it will trickle down to the servers. However, I don't know a single server who wouldn't appreciate a cash tip! Haha.

    Also-I've seen standard tipping these days range around 17% if that helps you.
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  • In Response to Re:Tip Officiant?? If so, how much?:[QUOTE]In regards to tipping waiters/waitressesI've been a cater waitress for many weddings and our pay was a combination of billed expense and tips: We got a flat rate 6/hr from the catering company and then theynbsp;split the gratuity among the servers. I'm not sure if that's how everyone does it; but I'm guessing if you pay a gratuity to the company it will trickle down to the servers. However, I don't know a single server who wouldn't appreciate a cash tip! Haha.AlsoI've seen standard tipping these days range around 17 if that helps you. Posted by Lambbop[/QUOTE]

    Thank you!

    One more question, what part of the bill does the 17 come from? The entire bill? or is it just the food and help staff sections?

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  • LambbopLambbop member
    100 Comments
    It's 17% of the total cost of the food/drinks.
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  • My minister said no to the tips.  He thinks tips are getting out of control in some situations, and he doesn't want to add to that.
  • brenda2011- your minister is a smart man!! :)
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tip-officiant-if-so-how-much?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:ad9e59d9-4347-445a-91c9-7d3ac910b62dPost:b0030cb0-4bd1-417b-a9e1-842a4e445053">Re: Tip Officiant?? If so, how much?</a>:
    [QUOTE]brenda2011- your minister is a smart man!! :)
    Posted by coly06[/QUOTE]

    Yes he is!  And he is only 27!  His dad is also a minister, so he knows the ropes!
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