Tipping

Tipping is often a topic that gets overlooked by couples until the last minute so here is the breakdown so you can plan from the start and execute a proper budget. As a manager who has trained my share of Restaurant and Banquet Employees over the last 10 years, i will tell you what i have told them time and time again; TIPS are To Insure Proper Service. What that literally means is that a tip must be earned and therefore, when a tip is received it is literally a demonstration of appreciation. There are many individuals who will be responsible for making your wedding day a success. Many of whom are behind the scenes and work even harder than those you know and see. Since a Tip is based on service (and hopefully someone going above and beyond), you should typically wait until the end of the affair to distribute this money. You can decide if you want to do this yourself but it is usually better to delegate this to your Wedding Planner or DOC (if you have one) or otherwise your Best Man. Have preset amounts all ready (in cash) in labeled envelopes. And remember to always reference your contracts since if gratuity is charged on a contract you don't need to double tip.

Officiant: If you are getting married in a Church where you are a member and no fee is charged, than it is customary to give a donation to that house of worship - approximately $100.
If you are hiring a civil employee and or being charged a fee by your officiant than no tip is needed.

DJ / Entertainers: If you have booked your entertainment through an agency, it is customary to give each entertainer (i.e. musician and singer or DJ and MC) $25-$50. If the entertainers are self employed and then no tip is needed.

Hair / Makeup: Whether you are going to your regular stylist or someone who specializes in weddings, the customary gratuity is 15-20% unless that person is an owner and then no tipping is needed.

Photographer, Videographer and Decorator (i.e. Florist): Again, the rule applies that if the individual owns the company then you do not need to offer a gratuity. If not, it is customary to give each person (including the floral delivery person) $50 each.

Day of Coordinator or Event Planner: Assuming this person is an employee of the company and not an owner or self employed, than a $100 tip is customary.

Limousine / Transportation: 20% Gratuity is typical but this may already be factored into your contract.

Catering / Reception Staff:

Maitre D': A suggested gratuity for your Maitre D' is 3-5% of your Catering bill or $3-5 per guest. This is by far the largest gratuity you will be distributing which is not already part of your contract. It should be noted that within all SHG facilities, this gratuity is pooled by most of the managers (including the Chef) who are all working together to make your day a success. Some of these people are working with you a year in advance of your wedding while others only on the big day, regardless they are all instrumental.

Waiters & Bartenders: A 20% Service Charge is included on your contract which goes to pay the waiters, bartenders, bussers, runners and more. While an additional gratuity is not required, it is always appreciated. Should you decide to, $10-25 per employee is recommended. For ease, you can hand one envelope to the Maitre D' letting him know it should be distributed amongst his employees.

Bridal Attendant(s): $150-250 each

Valet and Coat Check: If you do not want the valet to accept any gratuity from your guests, provide your Banquet Manager their gratuity in advance of guests arriving and a sign will be posted stating "All Gratuities Have Been Paid By The Host." A typical amount is $1-2 per guest.