Which Wedding Vendors Traditionally Receive Extra Gratuity?
The good news is you probably won’t be handing out as many tips on your wedding day as you will on the honeymoon; the bad news is that tipping is part of wedding-day life. When it comes to your budget, set aside a column for tips, since depending on the type of ceremony you’re having, they can add up. (Guests should never fork over cash at your ceremony. Make sure any tipping situations are covered by you and your groom ahead of time.)
Service department.
Here’s a primer on the people you’ll need to give a little extra to:
The officiant: Most officiants don’t charge a “fee,” but accept a tip, or, in some cases, a donation to their church or synagogue. Ask ahead of time what’s suggested, and plan on roughly one hundred dollars. Like other money matters, talk to friends about what they contributed. Although organists and church musicians are usually factored in the fee for the site, double check.
Caterers and Wait Staff: Catering companies usually include gratuity in the bill; make sure you check so there’s no confusion. Ask upfront if the waiters’ tips are included, or if you’re expected to tip them separately. If you’re having your affair at a restaurant, also ask about the host and/or maitre d. Although a 15 to 20 percent gratuity is common, many couples give more if the service is exceptional. This is entirely up to you. A frequent “extra” tip is $1-$2 per guest.
Bartenders: If the bartenders are separate from the caterers or wait staff, they too should be tipped 15 to 20 percent. While the same rule applies to extra tips, make sure bartenders do not accept tips from guests. Even though wedding bartenders are used to this protocol, discuss it with them ahead of time so there’s no confusion.
Limousine Drivers: The same percentage rule applies to the limo service as to caterers. Drivers, too, will often include gratuity in the bill, so check the fine print.
Musicians: Ditto here for both the DJ and/or musicians.
Coat Check, Valet, Parking Attendants: $1-$2 per person, pre-paid. When in doubt about tipping costs, think about the service charge every time you dine out. Fifteen to twenty percent has become the average for the wait staff, one to two dollars is common for valet, etc.
Tip tips.
If you feel uncomfortable handling the tipping duties yourself, assign the job to someone ahead of time. It’s common for the Best Man to be in charge of tips, but anyone can be a “designated tipper.” Make sure you go over the rules on tipping, and have an agreement on who can be tipped extra, and how much, should the service be exceptional. Once again, make sure you’re guests never chip in on tips. That’s a wedding extra they can do without.