What is bartender customary gratuity?

You’d have to ask them. Different bartending companies have different practices. Some don’t ever use a tip jar, some try to even if the couple pays a tip.

I think it means if you don't want them to accept tips from your guests.

You need to confirm with them but I interpret it as if you won't allow them to put out a tip jar, they will charge you $1.50 a person which would equate to what they were expecting to make in tips.

I’ll confirm but I didn’t want to sound like an idiot first. That makes sense. $1.50 seems really low for them. Of course they can get tips.

Oh, interesting. Right, I can't imagine wanting to put a tip jar out for the bartender at a wedding, right? The bartender's tip should be provided by whomever is paying the bar tab.

I would take that to mean the auto gratuity will be $1.50 per person if you don't want them to put out a tip jar, which is a pretty good deal IMO. We usually tip $1.00 per drink when we go out. I also agree with GoodMob and wouldn't put a tip jar out at a wedding.

I definitely would not allow a tip jar at a wedding. Your guests should not be responsible for the gratuity.

View Quoted Comment Interesting, I see your point for sure but I never thought about it like that. I just assumed we would leave a tip of our choosing and guests are free to do what they wish. I always tip at an open bar.
I just hate to have the tip included in my bill. 1.50 a person seems unfairly low to the bartenders, but I’d hate to give more if it doesn’t go right into their hands.

View Quoted Comment

You could always give each individual bartender an additional tip if you feel it is warranted.

We will make it clear from the start that a tip jar should not be out during my daughter's wedding. The bartenders will be welcome to accept any tips that are offered by guests (because some will automatically give them anyway...we always do) but I absolutely do not want to see a jar on the bar.

We'll tip them up front and let them know if things go well and our guests leave happy there will be more at the end of the night.

Glad I asked! I would not have thought anything of it.

As a bartender I'm surprised by how low that is. The bars I've seen in my region for weddings
are anywhere from 18-22% which to me is relatively high. I think if you opt not to allow a tip jar it would be nice to provide an additional tip if they provide good service.