Wedding
Customary Tipping
by
Mrs.
Party... Gail Leino
Tipping
has always been a personal expression of gratitude for service
given and appreciated. The question of tipping those persons
responsible for assisting you in your wedding planning is one
of obvious importance and concern. Also, tipping service
personnel is important at any big party,
bridal shower,
baby shower
or other event.
Gratuities
are almost always added into the final bill, whether you have
hired a private catering company or are using one of the finest
hotel facilities.
The question has been asked, "Is it proper to tip the servers,
when I have already paid a gratuity in my contracted price?"
The answer is, of course, "tipping has always been
a personal expression of gratitude for service given and appreciated."
For instance, if a particular server has spent his evening providing
you service, over and above your expectations, and you choose
to give that individual a "tip," that choice is entirely
up to you. It should be given for extra special services only.
It is not required, as the gratuity has, as noted, already been
paid. The customary amount would be up to 15%.
Others
falling into the above category, include catering managers,
gift basket delivery,
hotel banquet managers, flower
delivery, waiters, waitresses, bartenders and
bridal consultants. Tipping a hostess or captain would fall
in the 1% to 2% range. Remember, this has already been
added to your final bill and additional tipping is just that.
Additional tipping!
Coat
Room Attendants:
It is customary to give fifty cents per guest. However, it may
be to your advantage to arrange for a flat fee prior to the
event.
Limousine
Driver:
A tip of 15% is the appropriate amount to be given to your limo
driver. Be sure to read your contract, as the tip has
often already been added into the final bill.
Florists,
Photographers, Bakers, Musicians:
Tipping only for extra special services, up to 15%.
Civil
Ceremony Officials: (Judge, Justice of the Peace, City Clerk)
In years gone by, it was considered improper to "ask"
a set fee for services rendered. However, today, you may find
a "suggested" donation for those in public service.
In a recent survey, it was found the average gratuity was between
$50 and $75. If travel is involved, an additional gratuity
is expected.
Clergymen,
Rabbis, Priests:
No less than a $75 donation is considered proper and it is rare
to find anyone giving less than a $100 gratuity for the wedding
officiate. This donation should be given to the
best man prior to the ceremony. Following the proceedings, he
will then give it to the officiate. If
travel is involved, an additional gratuity is appreciated.
Organist
and Musician:
Fees for church organists and musicians are often included in
the rental fee for the church. When this is not the case,
a gratuity of no less than $35 is appropriate, but in a recent
survey, the average was $50 for each person. When the organist
and musician (soloist) are close friends of the couple or family,
the gratuity averaged $75.
