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Just Said Yes March 2020

Tipping our caterer?

Kelsey, on March 12, 2020 at 2:31 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 5

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So our wedding is this Saturday, and I was just reading over our caterer's contract as I'm preparing to write them a check for the final payment. It says in the contract "Compensation does not include gratuity". I had completely forgotten about tipping them! I gather that it should be the typical amount you would tip for food service (15-20%), but should I tip in cash or include it in the check? We are giving them the check for the final payment when they arrive at the venue. If we tip in cash, should we give it with the check? After the reception? I have no idea how this works so any input would be greatly appreciated!

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5 Comments

Latest activity by Samantha, on March 12, 2020 at 4:12 PM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on March 12, 2020 at 2:34 PM
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I would wait til after the reception to see what your service is like to warrant what you’d want to tip them
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Expert July 2021
Katharine · on March 12, 2020 at 3:20 PM
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Our contract specifies a 21% gratuity on top of the $5K food/drink minimum, or whatever the food/drink cost ends up being over that amount, to be paid at the end of the event. Our venue includes food, bar service, all necessary tables/chairs/linenes/glasses/utensils, etc. in the $5K minimum.
I would say to check with your venue on how they prefer to do that. Ours prefers debit or credit card over cash or check.
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Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on March 12, 2020 at 3:47 PM
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You should tip based on service, so I would wait until the end of the reception or mail them a check after.
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Expert October 2020
Kate · on March 12, 2020 at 3:47 PM
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We always tip 20% no matter where we go, unless the service was horrendous. I feel either check or cash is acceptable. My friend recently got married and she came up with a great method to make sure all vendors that needed tips were taken care of. Her & her husband chose someone they trusted as their "go-to" guy for the day(someone not in the wedding party). They gave their "go-to" envelopes with checks inside for each vendor and he was in charge of making sure the envelopes were given to the respective vendor. I thought it was a pretty great idea.
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VIP October 2020
Samantha · on March 12, 2020 at 4:12 PM
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I agree that you should wait to see what the service is like. If the service IS horrible, you may want to adjust your tip. Likewise if it's amazing. I'd have an envelope with a standard cash tip ready to go the night of your reception and designate a day of coordinator or someone to hand it off.
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