19 Aug 2016

Wedding Tipping

Wedding Tipping

Wedding 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.

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, hotel banquet managers, 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 $75 and $100.  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 officiant.   This donation should be given to the best man prior to the ceremony.  Following the proceedings, he will then give it to the officiant.  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.