Tipping

I would say at least $200. She is giving up a huge chunk of her evening to help you out for free with this. Question though, is your bar a cash bar? If not, I doubt she will get anything in tips from a tip jar.

View Quoted Comment No cash bar. That’s what I was thinking too. She insisted for us to not pay her and that this was our wedding gift.

View Quoted Comment You have a very thoughtful friend and you guys are equally as thoughtful wanting to give her something! Especially with it not being a cash bar, she probably won’t get anything from a guests.

Can you offer to pay her tips for the night in lieu of her putting out the tip jar? You can be extra generous with your tips if you would like,, your guests don't pay out any of their own money, and you have found a way to pay her for her services and ensuring she gets something for her time and work.

View Quoted Comment That’s the plan. I’m just unsure what would be the proper amount.

View Quoted Comment So a quick Google search says that bartenders for private events typically charge $40-$55 per hour, which would be about $240 on the low end. Personally, I'd try to give her at least that.

Do not put a tip jar out. Generally tips should only be given after the event for going above and beyond. Not for just doing their job. Pay what you feel she deserves.

I would say $200-250 would be a nice gesture.

We are also having a friend bartend, she wanted to put out a tip jar but I'm totally against a tip jar, I'm not saying that nobody should allow a tip jar it's just my personal preference for my wedding, plus if she is relying on guests to tip to make some money she is probably only going to leave with $5.00, we know our guests, they will not be opening their wallets at a hosted event. So we are giving her $300 for a tip. I think $200 is a good tip especially for someone who isn't charging you.