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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 $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 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.
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