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Just Said Yes April 2018

Tipping caterer for attended buffet?

Lori, on March 20, 2018 at 2:50 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 7
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I need some advice please. I have hired a caterer for our wedding reception for an attended buffet. There will be 2 attendants that will set up, tend to, refill, keep the buffet clean, and clean up the buffet when all guests are done eating at my reception. Do you tip those two attendants? The caterer has tacked on a 25% service and equipment fee that specifically states this is not a tip. Plus there is a $50 delivery fee. I can see giving a tip to servers and buses, bartenders, etc.. but there is no serving going on, my guests are serving and cleaning up after themselves. I'm very unsure of what, if anything, you tip to a buffet attendant. Any advice is much appreciated! Thank you so much!

7 Comments

Latest activity by Jackie , on August 3, 2018 at 7:01 PM
  • OG Kathryn
    Champion May 2016
    OG Kathryn ·
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    Wait you said the 2 hired attendants will clean up the buffet?? Then you said the guests are cleaning up after themselves?

    I'd tip the 2 attendants, at the least.

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  • Mrscolón
    Super September 2019
    Mrscolón ·
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    I would top the attendants. We are doing a buffet and our caterer said that typical tips range from $30-$50 often. But our team will be setting up, serving at the buffet line, cleaning up, taking down, and packaging all left over food.

    I, too, am confused about how you worded it. What are the main purpose of having these attendants? Will they be cleaning up after or your guests?
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  • L
    Just Said Yes April 2018
    Lori ·
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    The two attendants will clean the buffet tables only and I'm assuming they'll keep the buffet tables clear of spills. My guests will serve themselves and throw their plates away. How much do you tip the attendants? Because everything that I find via Google search is tip 20% of your food bill to your caterer. I think that's a little steep if there are no servers or busers.
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  • Mrsbdg
    Champion August 2017
    Mrsbdg ·
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    We had a staffed buffet too! We tipped each attendant $75.
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  • Anna
    Expert June 2019
    Anna ·
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    I think you still tip 20% because you are tipping them for their time. They should get the same tip they'd get if the wedding food was served in another way.
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  • Red Queen
    VIP May 2018
    Red Queen ·
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    I would only tip a few bucks, if at all.

    I think these percentage charges by caterers that don't include tip are absolutely insane. In that case, it shouldn't be a percentage fee- just build it into the quote. Seems deceptive otherwise.

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  • J
    Just Said Yes August 2018
    Jackie ·
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    What about unattended. There’s a delivery fee and no gratuity included.. what, if anything, do we tip then?
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