Wedding gratuities, who to tip, tip the dj, tip the banquet captain, tip the florist, photographer, wedding tips

 

  

   
     

 

  

   I get asked plenty of questions from time to time regarding traditions, customs and other questions pertaining to weddings and wedding receptions.  I will address these questions to the best of my ability and with the help of my personal recommended vendors.  if you have any question you want answered, please feel free to email them to: questions@mbentdjs.com.com

    

 

 

 

 

  

 

Article for the month of June/July - Gratuities

How much should we tip the_________?  Should we tip?

 

    
 

 

This is a question that has come up quite a few times, usually during the pre-reception phase, but occasionally popping up on the reception night.  Since we are a full service company a lot of our clients will ask for our advice with these type issues.  Well here is our policy on gratuities and a guide below from Fran of  http://www.ourmarriage.com.

Wedding Tipping

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!

 

DJ/MC :

Unlike many other service professionals, we do not contractually add service charges or gratuities. After considering the advanced pre-planning with your MC, the level of service and quality of presentation, along with your overall enjoyment, we believe you should decide for yourself what level of gratuity, if any, you would like to give. As a reference, a tip of 10%-15% is most common. For accounting purposes, we ask that you pay any gratuity directly to the MC.

Coat Room Attendants: 
It is customary to give fifty to seventy-five cents per guest. 
However, it may be to your best advantage to arrange for a flat fee prior to your wedding. 

Limousine Driver: 
A tip of 15% is the appropriate amount to be given to your limo driver. 
Be sure to read your contract, as a tip of as much as 20% has often already been added into the final bill. 

Florists, Photographers, Bakers, Musicians: 
If you felt that they have done an exemplary job or have extended a special service then you may choose to extend a  15-20% gratuity.

Civil Ceremony Officials: (Judge, Justice of the Peace, City Clerk) :
In the past, it was considered improper or even impolite 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 and deserved.

Clergymen, Rabbis, Priests: 
No less than a $75-$100 donation is considered proper and it is quite 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 for him to present to the officiant. If travel is involved, an additional gratuity is appreciated and deserved.

Organist and Musician: 
Church organists, musicians and vocalists 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. The average gratuity, however, is customarily $50 for each person. When the organist, musician or vocalists (soloist) are close friends of the couple or family, the gratuity averaged $75-$100.

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MB Entertainment Disc Jockey Service• Serving all of South Florida Orlando to Key West and Naples to Miami, FL•
Phone: (954) 316-2149 •1-(877)-504-5952 - Email: mbentdjs@aol.com