AppId is over the quota
While meeting with a bride last night, we spent a good hour working on her budget to make sure she would be able to have everything that is important to her. Like most brides and their families, setting up a realistic wedding budget was vital. In the middle of our discussion, she asked about how tipping fits into the budget. She was under the impression that she was to tip every wedding vendor about 20%.
This led into a pretty long conversation about who gets tipped and what they get tipped. Tipping has always been a personal expression of gratitude for service given and appreciated. After all, that's what a tip is -- acknowledgement of excellent service.
While all of her vendors would really appreciate a nice tip, it is not expected or necessary for every vendor, not to mention being a budget buster! So, how do you know who gets a tip and who doesn't? Basically, vendors that are providing personal services to the bride or groom should be tipped and those just doing contracted labor, generally are not.
Who would not be tipped? Florists, Photographers, Bakers, and Musicians are not tipped for providing their contracted services. Tipping is fairly unusual in our area for these vendors. Their contract states what they are providing, and how much they will be paid for these services.
At most hotels, country clubs, or big venues, the caterer adds a service charge to your bill. This covers all gratuities for their staff. You will need to look on your paperwork to see if it is included. This figure is usually around 20-21%. If it is included, nothing else is required.
The question has been asked, should you give a tip for receiving excellent service from the banquet manager or a member of the wait staff, even if they are already covered in the service charge? What if your photographer spent more time than expected on your bridal portraits, or your wedding planner had unexpected challenges to overcome? If any vendor has gone above and beyond what they were contracted to do, then yes, a tip is a very thoughtful gesture.
That being said there are a few vendors that you should be prepared to tip regardless. Your limousine driver, hair stylist, and makeup artists are tipped as usual. Plan for around 15 to 20 percent, depending on the service. Your officiant will accept an honorarium, as most do not accept fees. I suggest that this "donation" be in the $100.00-250.00 range. If travel is involved, an additional amount is appreciated.
To sum it up; If you as a bride feel any of your vendors have provided you with services that went beyond their contract, or your expectations, a gift of appreciation is appropriate and very appreciated.
There are many ways to extend your appreciation, and this does not necessarily mean a monetary tip. It is all right to think out of the box here. There are many ways you could thank a vendor for their hard work. I have received monetary tips, but also been given gift certificates, flowers, and been given sweet gifts. All very appreciated.
And, do not forget that every vendor will treasure a sincere thank you note for a job well done.
HAVE A WEDDING QUESTION? Send questions to weddings911@ idoidoweddingplanning.com Alene Gamel is a Master Bridal Consultant and owns Alabama-based I Do, I Do! Wedding Planning
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