Vendor gratuity

Typically gratuity is 15-20%. But, if you were really impressed with them, you can always give more

20% of actual food cost (not including service fees)

I would do about 15-20%. It seems like you got a really good deal because $1500 for 115 people is not much at all. Our buffet/open bar estimate for 80 people is over $6,000!

That is an incredibly fair price, much cheaper than I've seen anywhere else! I'd say at least $200, but if you can afford more I'd go closer to $300.

20% for good service.

Tip whatever you feel they deserved only if they went above and beyond the call of duty. You wait until after the wedding has passed when you are able objectively assess how they performed on the day of before you give them or any vendor for stellar service only. Do not tip anyone for bad service or simply showing up to do their job.

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I've seen you comment this on other posts before and I'm curious. Do you also feel this way about servers and bartenders in everyday life? Do they also not deserve a tip unless they go "above and beyond the call of duty?"

I'm planning a 20% tip for all of our day of vendors to be paid in cash. It's the fair basis for good service, just like in restaurants when you're out for a meal

I am so impressed with that pricing! Mine is about 1700 just for a buffet of 60 people and appetizers and two servers!(: I’d say tip 15-20% and then if you feel they were really amazing 25%. I think it’s customary to do at least 15%!

That pricing is amazing! People say 15-20%, which can be a little high in certain cases depending on what exactly the total bill covers, but in this case I'd say definitely 20% or higher. The price is so fair that a 20% tip makes sense. Especially right now, with how much risk is associated with serving staff, we've been tipping at least 30% with all our take out, so even 30% would be appropriate here.

I would tip about 15% also

View Quoted Comment Yes I follow that in real life too, and I have worked many years (not currently) in the service industry. Many businesses and workers have come to rely on tips being "guaranteed" that a number of them no longer put in any effort to their duties, and why should they? They can be rude, take forever to fill an order, etc and people still tip them generously. I'm all for tipping in everyday life *after* the service is performed when the server/business displays that I am a valued customer to them.

You definitely have an excellent price, but we’re getting married in a high cost of living area do not comparable.
Our caterer includes a 22% gratuity (based on the food and beverage charges and added before service fees and tax). They’ve already been awesome through this Covid-19 stress, have been great about accommodating every request, and are having to bring in additional staff to serve our buffet without charging anything additional so I total think they are earning their tip. Hopefully I’ll feel the same about their service on the day, but I’ve met and spoken to our event coordinator for Catering and venue several times and she’s great.

I would only tip under 20% if there were issues that you brought to their attention and we’re not fixed.