Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

I am not being sarcastic at all. I am working on my tip list and I keep reading that you should tip the maitre'd about $3.00-$5.00 per person at the event.

My guest list is about 150 people so that means I am tipping at least $450.00 and even crazier (imo) $750.00.

How can this be a tip? Is he carrying me around on a lily pad or something!!?? How can a 450-750 tip be the suggested rate?

Also if you didnt follow the recommended 'tipping' then how much did you give??

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much?

From what I see, they are like the conductors of the orchestra. They plan it all out and lead the entire team to make sure everything run smoothyl on the culinary side of your wedding.

(If I'm wrong, someone please feel free to correct me)

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much?

my Maitre'd did everything. From making sure that the ceremony started on time, to straightening my dress before I walked down the aisle and checking in all my vendors. She was always there. Made sure the important people got fed, set up the cake cutting, reminded us of important things that we wanted to see, ie the cake when it was put out. She also did a majority of the decor clean up after the reception. Between her and our BA (who was a waitress assigned to the BP) we did not have a thing to worry about all day. She also did a rehearsal with us a few days before the wedding.
I did not have an official DOC, but maitre'd did everything that I imagina a DOC would have done.

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much?

I was hesitant about this at first as well. Our Maitre'd did EVERYTHING. He was soooo good and made sure our reception ran smoothly. Also, usually the maitre'd shares some of the tip with others who worked on your wedding

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much?

Same as above - he/she will play an integral role in ensuring that your time spent at the RH goes as smoothly and perfectly as possible!

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much?

I had the exact same question..

I did not understand it either as at my wedding i STILL have no idea WHO the maitre'd even was! the caterers did everything...they were very visable and were ensuring the smooth running of the party.

They mentioned that hte tip included the maitre'd, the caterers, and the chef...okay..i still think 800 is a bit steep...after much discussion and negitiation, we decided to give 700 total. The caterer worked his but off the entire day and they also threw in many extras for us that we did not even ask for. What can you do....i agree its nuts but unfortunately, its the way it is...ugh.

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much?

My maitre'D did EVERYTHING as well. We was always within arm's reach all night. My glass was never empty, there were absolutely no issues throughout the whole night. He made sure we were well fed once we got to the RH after the cermony and photos. He helped conduct all of the operations over the course of the night, including making sure I didn't forget anything after the wedding was over.

He was definitely worth the tip that we paid him...

Make sure you get to know your maitre'D before your wedding day and what your expectations will be!

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much?

AWESOME!!! Thanks Girls! It def. clarifies thing--so I guess I have another question then.

So if the matre'd does all that-- what does the bridal attendant do? Is her main focus me?

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

if you didn't even know who the maitre'd was, then perhaps they DON'T deserve that tip. i remember at my sister's wedding, the maitre'd was allllll up in her grill in a good way. tip is totally deserved in the grand scheme of things.

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

my maitre'd made sure the wedding ceremony and the reception went smoothly. He set the room up and assisted with EVERYTHING that had to do with the party and the guests. All of my guests were raving about the impeccable service that they received there and the maitre'd supervised and played an important role in that. My bridal attendant was like our personal server. Everything we needed or wanted she was there. She was there to serve the bridal party and the bridal party alone. We never had to wait for a refill on our drinks, she had my second pair of shoes ready for me when I wanted to change them, she bustled my dress after the ceremony, she took my veil back upstairs to the bridal suite when I wanted to take it off, she packed up our food for us so we would have it to take home, she packed up the top of our cake which we ate the next day instead of putting it in the fridge because it was too yummy :) and she packed up all of our personal things at the end of the night. The maitre'd and the bridal attendant at the meadow club were experienced in their profession and we received absolutely wonderful service all night. You should inquire to meet with both your maitre'd and bridal attendant before your wedding and talk with them about how much experience they have and what not. Also ask them their opinions on which food to choose and their opinions on little wedding details. Not only can they give your great advice but you can see how much experience they actually have and it will give you a glimpse of what they will offer you the night of your wedding. If they are good at what they do, you will not be sorry that you did not hire a DOC because you will not need one. My ceremony and reception were held at the hall and my wedding day progressed without one single little issue or problem because they were there. If they are anything like my maitre'd and bridal attendant, they both totally deserve their tip

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

I agree. I did tip the maitre d very well but I thought my bridal attendants deserved all that money. They were literally running to do everything for me. I actually had to ask my husband who the Maitre d was at the end of the night. I think we gave way too much to him! But ahh what can you do now.

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

SC said there would be 2 maitre'ds and 2 BAs. So how much should I be looking to tip all of them? Seems like a lot of people lol

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

put money to the side, don't seal the envelope... at the end of the night, tip him what you want to tip him.

i stressed over the tips.. i wanted to give everyone these outrageous tips... DH didn't wanna tip them at all.
we had put money to the side for the MD....
at the end of the night...
he got $100.00
and he's lucky he got that!


to me, a tip is something you give to show appreciation.. you give what you feel is right.

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

When I was looking at diff RH, I always asked them about the maitre d tip. Some RHs said that they are supposed to split the tip with all the waiters n servers.

Also in regards to the BAs apparently you are supposed to tip them seperate. Being that SC has 2 Maitre ds and 2 BAs , that seems pretty expensive.

These extra hidden expenses is what gets me. Cause $3-5 per person is alot, esp when you consider all the other ppl that you will also tip that day.

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

i agree with the above girls about the MD job,

BUT you better check your contract and make sure there is nothing in there requiring you to pay that amount!

sometimes they sneak that in there, and no matter how good or bad the MD you still have to pay

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

Im getting married at Floral Terrace and they said all tax and gratuities are included in the pp price, so do I still tip the maitre'd and the BA? So confused with all of this

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

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Posted by aquag12283

Im getting married at Floral Terrace and they said all tax and gratuities are included in the pp price, so do I still tip the maitre'd and the BA? So confused with all of this

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FT is owned by the SC and when I booked they said all taxes and gratuities were included except the MD and BA. I would definitely ask.

Re: Can someone explain to me what the maitre'd does, and why he/she gets tipped so much? ETA: Bridal Attendant Question

great all of this is getting me to think how much more do i have to give up ? LOL
i will definitely ask if the tip includes MD....i think $400 is alot...but i agree with the rest of the girls...give what you feel hes worth. (or she)