Valet service might be a luxury for your reception, or it might be a necessity. These factors, and several others, affect how you go about finding a valet company, how many attendants you hire, and, of course, the price. Read on for key tips.
If your site already has adequate parking, you do not need to worry about a valet. Some couples choose to provide the service anyway, for the extra convenience to guests. This makes even more sense if parking is off-site, and you don’t want guests to be worried about finding spaces. Know, however, that valets can charge anywhere from $10 an hour to $35.
When hiring, you’ll get a lower fee if you ask friends to take care of the service, but it’s unlikely they’ll have liability insurance. If it’s a large wedding, you might not want to put 200 cars in the hands of uninsured valets. Valet companies charge more, but they do have insurance (confirm this ahead of time!). They will probably charge a minimum, and should all your guests be coming and going at approximately the same time, you’ll need more attendants. Most companies will tell you that you should have one valet for every five guests. If you need a valet for more than one event, find out about discounts.
It’s quite possible that valet service is required, and not covered, by your site. Like other services, ask all vendors, friends, and search for companies in your area. Good valets will have uniforms appropriate to the level of formality of your wedding. Compare prices, as valet costs can be quite competitive. Make sure all parking permits have been taken care of, and that the company scopes out the site ahead of time. Get references, and contact the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
The valet price also goes up if the parking is off-premises. Whichever way you go, make sure the valets all get tipped 20% if the service is exceptional. Make sure, too, that tips are taken care of ahead of time, and that guests know not to pay a gratuity. (A quality valet would never accept a tip from a wedding guest.) Even if valet service will be provided by the site, as part of your package, all attendants need to be tipped.
-David Toussaint
Check Out Hiring a Transportation Service To or From Your Reception
Check Out Organizing Your Reception Transportation
Check Out Ceremony Site Receptions