Tipping the Caterer

It's best to ask your venue what the service fee encompasses. Ours was not inclusive of tip and we had to tip on top of that. Every venue is different though so rather than go off hypotheticals on here, I'd just go to the source.

We are in Denver, and paying an extra $6,000 for staffing fees. Our caterer also charges 20% service fee, pretty much all companies do. We are still tipping beyond that.

I would like to know what the service fees are too lol. There's a possibility they are related to licensing, permits, insurance, taxes, etc.
I still have to ask my venue (inclusive) if tips are included in their fee because there is no mention of gratuities in my paperwork. However, I have seen some tipping sheets say 20% for catering and I wouldn't do that. I think a tip per person working a wedding is sufficient.

Ok - I'm glad I'm not the only one who's getting charged a service fee. It does make sense that it could be for licensing, permits, etc. Our caterer is an outside vendor, so maybe it's also the service of bringing the food to me. It's just frustrating that I'm paying more per plate than at the restaurant, plus a service fee, plus tips. I will probably just tip the on-site staff (waiters, chefs, etc.). Although, that's 10 people. My total bill is around $10,000. Is $100 per person too low? I feel like that's a pretty darn good tip, but it's not 15% of the total bill. It is, however, 16% of the food before service.

View Quoted Comment I personally think that is good and generous.

Ours doesnt say service fee, but it does say gratuity 20% and gives a total that is included in the total, does that mean we dont tip?

View Quoted Comment I would say yes it is unnecessary tip unless you feel the service was above and beyond. The way I'm reading it is that you have an invoice with a subtotal, 20% gratuity and then total.