Tipping the event coordinator at the venue?

I think tipping or a small gift would be in order. I always tip for good service...

Tipping is your expression of gratitude. From your description, it sounds like she's going the extra mile, so I'd put some cash in an envelope and give it to her at the reception (near the end, when the major work is done). And, you can give her any amount you want, but I'd suggest nothing less than $100, and more if it was a BIG reception.

You should always at least offer the tip and if she can't take it she will let you know.

I think $100 is way too much just for an event coordinator. A wedding planner maybe, but not a coordinator at the venue.

I agree Potters. She is doing her job and she's already being paid. In my opinion a heart-felt thank you is plenty.

A small gift would be very nice though!

I think a small gift would be nice. Especially if you take time to get something you know she can use.

I think it depends on how much you're paying her in general, if you paid under $1000 for your rental, I'd tip about $100, if you paid more, I'd tip more appropriately. That's about 10%, and I would try to tip at least 10% for the normal service, plus more if you feel like she really went above and beyond. (So in your case, I personally would tip about 20% of your rental, but it really depends on what's in your budget and how comfortable you feel with tipping).

It's too bad that "tipping" is a lost art of gratitude. Put the shoe on the other foot for a second... What if your vendors made this statement "She [the bride] doesn't need any extra time... she's only paying for 6 hours, why should I give her 6½"? How would that strike you?

Mellissa has the "right" attitude... KUDOS!

Ok. Do you think I should ask someone at the resort whether she would be able to accept a tip so that I can get her a gift if she can't? I really want her to have the tip, not just the gesture so I want to make sure I do what she can accept. I don't know if I can afford 20% but I will try to figure something out. 20% would be $1400! It's a very small ceremony and reception (50 guests) but it is a very, very nice resort in Phoenix so it's pricey. That would be twice as much as I spent on my dress, and three times as much as we're paying our pastor (and we're giving him three times as much as he charges, again to say thanks)...seems a little over the top. Tyrone, if you're still around, I want to do something big but 20% might be a little too much. What do you think?

@Tyrone Blue - I can understand your concern, but you also have to realize that MOST venues take that "tip" from their employees upfront. This coordinator works for the venue. If the OP's venue is anything like the other 150 I've checked, they [the venue] charge an additional 15%-20% as a '"gratuity." So (for example), if your venue is charging you $10,000 for food & other services, you have to pay an additional $2,000 just to play!

I feel bad knowing that the people who earn this money usually never get it from their employers, but that $2k that I gave to the venue? That WOULD have been the money I'd tipped with...

That's true, MrsJoseph. The venue is charging me tax plus 22% in "services". That is a lot!!

I wish ours were worth a tip. I had to call the owner just to get a changing room to put my dress on in!

If 20% ends up to be that much, would $500 or $600 be out of range? Because that's still a very good tip as far as total $ goes (if you ignore %). You could certainly call the resort and ask if they're allowed to take tips, otherwise, if you have her contact information you might be able to send a nice card/flowers with a monetary gift to her home as a thank you.

I personally wouldn't "tip" her for doing her job. I think tipping should be reserved for people in occupations who rely on tips for the income (servers, delivery people, etc). Since she's gone out of her way to help you (which really is her job to do, but anyway) I'd get her a nice thank you card and put a gift certificate to a fancy restaurant in it.

Well the OP has already deciced to give a token gift which I think is a kind gesture and it is certainly her choice. However to suggest "no less than $100", I find that to be a tad bit haughty. Tipping certainly is not a lost art. People seem to have preconceived notions about which occupations should be tipped when the reality is, it's very subjective. The event planner who is tossing ideas around (her job) and "letting" someone walk around a venue that presumably is not presently in use, in the end will do far less work than the worker bees who will actually set up the venue and prepare and serve the meals. Where's their tip? Where's their gift? How about the knowledgeable sales associate who helped you pick out your washing machine? Or the cashier at walmart? When money exchanges hands, the reality is some product or service has been provided so I say again tipping is very subjective. (cont)

(cont) The average person is spending thousands on their wedding and I know at this point every dollar counts. And to suggest that someone is cheap for not paying over and beyond what they've been quoted is condescending. I certainly don't have any hundreds to toss around. But if anybody just wants to tip all willy nilly uhhh I work for the utility company so the next time everybody turns on their lights I would like for you to paypal me a tip

I'm a venue coordinator (and everything else) for a non-profit historic house. Z - I'd suggest giving the coordinator a handwritten thank you card w/ a check or gift card, the amount is up to you; it's doubtful that she'd get in trouble. Wedding tipping is becoming increasingly rare - your thoughtfulness will likely be unexpected, appreciated & meaningful.

I plan to tip mine (assuming things keep going well of course, haha).. but certainly not 20%. I just can't afford it. She is more than just a day-of coordinator and has been great..And I'll tip to show my appreciation. I don't think it has to be a certain amount, or that she would be insulted if it weren't a certain %. What you can afford should be enough!

I also plan to tip my photographers, because they are friends of ours (incredible photogs) and are cutting us an amazing deal. The only other I think will be our officiant, because I know how much work he puts in and doesn't get a whole lot out $ wise. His will be a little smaller though because we are also inviting him to the rehearsal dinner and reception and see that as part of us showing our thanks.

My venue coordinator's tip was included in our contract.