I am using a catering company that is providing an event coordinator free of charge. She is handling the catering, flowers, and lighting of our destination wedding. Our wedding is quite small: roughly 20 people.
In the breakdown of costs, the transportation of staff and the hourly rate of staff comes out to quite a bit more then the cost of food and the associated rentals. I suppose there are certain basic costs that need to be covered whether it is a large or small wedding. The catering company requests that any tipping be addressed to the catering company for distribution.
If I am giving one lump sum tip to the catering company how do I come up with a winning number that covers everyone in this mix? Should I provide a tip for the coordinator and a separate tip for the rest of the staff? Do I base the tip on just the food cost, or food+rentals+flowers+lighting?
The catering budget is quite odd due to the small number of people:
food = 15%
rentals = 15%
flowers and lighting = 30%
manpower and transportation = 35%
Other = 5%
How can I determine an appropriate tip?
Thanks.
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Sep 11, 2007, 5:56 PM)
Weddings by Shayna
WEDDING CONSULTANT
Sep 11, 2007, 6:03 PM
Post #2 of 2
(813 views)
Re: [Scout] How much to tip the wedding caterer
[In reply to]
First, an important reminder that gratuities are always, always discretionary (optional) tokens of appreciation for service that exceeds expectations. No professional should expect a gratuity, and all should be grateful regardless of size.
Since the coordinator's services aren't easily defined money-wise, I'd suggest grouping together any of the categories that she directly impacted, and taking the appropriate percentage that you wish to give from that. Depending on the level of service, anything from 10% to 20% would be standard, but a flat gratuity that reflects your appreciation would also be fine. Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design http://www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com
How much to tip the wedding caterer
