Tipping at reception when a 22% service charge is already added to the bill

Holy moly that is a high percentage. Usually that service charge doesn't actually go to the waitstaff and bartenders as a tip, so yes it would be nice if you did. It doesn't have to be a huge amount, but it would be a nice gesture.

Check if ANY of that is actually a tip that goes to the staff. Service charge sometimes means the tip, but not always.

I believe that the service charge usually covers things like fuel costs, overhead, and wear and tear. Usually you should tip 15 to 20 percent of the total cost of food/bar on top of the service charge (personally I am not going to tip them for the cost of rentals or personnel fee's). Double check with your venue to make sure if this includes gratuity or not though.

I have a 17% service charge and that does NOT go to waitstaff. It actually goes to the venue so double-check that.

Wow! Sounds like we got lucky. All we are paying for is food, drinks, dance floor and linens. We had to rent the place for a nominal fee, and the tip will be added to the food/bar tab. The staff will already be there, so technically, we don't have to pay their hourly wage.

I have an 18% AND my contract states how it is divided up among the servers, set-up/clean-up, and the bartender.

I would check your contract and if it's not stated, specifically ask.

Mine is 20%...i would definately check.

All the places I looked at so far are charging a 20% service charge (on top of all the other charges plus the tax) . thank you ladies for the advice, I'll be sure to ask if any of that percentage goes to the wait staff.

Our caterers wait staff is paid 18 dollars an hour. Plus there is a service charge added that is split between the wait staff/ bartender and chefs.

Ours tacked on 16% gratuity but no service charge!!!

Our contract specifically reads - all service and gratituity charges included. So we're off the hook w/ tips and we're only dealing with the owners for photog, florist, DJ & H/MUA - so no tips.