18% surcharge?!

kimbermiller Posted: Dec 08, 2005 06:29 PM

18% surcharge?!

Ok, what is this all about? Does anyone know what an 18% surcharge could possibly be for? My caterer gave me a copy of the contract to look over.

$100 a plate
plus $18 a person for open bar.
plus an 18% surcharge?

What is that?

Please help.

TIA

Mrs. dleeny Posted: Dec 08, 2005 06:32 PM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

I don't know where that money goes, but probably into the pockets of those who own your hall. I have heard that it hardly ever goes to the wait staff.

ML110 Posted: Dec 08, 2005 06:40 PM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

just another way for the people in the wedding industry to get more money out of us

Naunie Posted: Dec 08, 2005 07:49 PM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

I don't know, but I would DEFINITELY confirm before signing!!!
I had an 18% service charge, maybe it's that? If not, you may get hit with both... watch yourself!!

wendyz06 Posted: Dec 08, 2005 08:02 PM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

The surcharge probably pays for the labor (i.e barteenders, chefs, waiters, etc).

On top of that you still need to tip.

103005FallBride Posted: Dec 08, 2005 08:14 PM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

The 18% surcharge is the norm for all catering halls. It's supposedly used for tips for bartender, valet, coat check, wait staff, etc.

Remember...You will still need to tip for your Maitre D and your Bridal Attendant...those are done separately.

HTH!

BRod-Cheng Posted: Dec 08, 2005 08:24 PM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

Are you sure it's not the gratuity?

PegaLega Posted: Dec 09, 2005 12:46 AM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

Posted by BRod-Cheng

Are you sure it's not the gratuity?

I think some halls use both words...gratuity and surcharge-but I would make sure this way they dont try to add 118% gratuity on top of the surcharge

LuvMyFH Posted: Dec 09, 2005 08:38 AM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

It ***** it's tipping or should I say you are supposed to still tip it goes towards the salary for the waiter staff.

soon2bmrsdunn Posted: Dec 09, 2005 08:39 AM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

I definitely think it's a service chrage. But I would confirm who the money actually goes to.

MCDO15 Posted: Dec 09, 2005 08:54 AM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

service charge .......

they just called it a different word...

service charge in the wedding industry is just making sure they get there tip...for example you go out to dinner with a large party (10 plus ppl)... on the bill they already took 10% gradtutiy on the bill

i would verify but thats what it probally is

DanaRenee Posted: Dec 09, 2005 09:55 AM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

Yeah, its everyones tip. Your lucky, mine is 20%! I just got my contract last night and realized how much that was going to be..in total! Cripes!!!

soontobemrsmurray Posted: Dec 09, 2005 10:44 AM

Re: 18% surcharge?!

Yeah the 18% is ridiculous!!! I work at a catering hall (I am not going to mention it because it is a very big catering hall on LI and I would say about 30% of the people on this website are getting married there, but funny it is not the hall I am getting married at), and they charge the 18%. They tell people it is to tip your staff, however it goes into the BM and owner's pockets. The money that you tip that night actually goes to the staff. That is why they recommend that you tip $5 per person additional to your 18%. My brother actually just got married there recently and asked them if he was paying 18%, why do they recommend that you tip $5 additional, and they answered him that the 18% goes to keeping the doors open (lights, maintenance, etc.). My brother said 'isn't that what my $110 per person went to?' They (all catering halls) rob people left and right. It is sad!