Carlyle on the Green Brides...

Um- I have worked at catering facilities too- and as a Carlyle Bride I had NO problem paying the suggested 'gratuity' but it would have been NICE to know more than 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE... $1200-$1800 is a lot of come up with so quickly!

However, with that said- it sounds like YOU WORK AT the CARLYLE and maybe should BACK OFF and put the soap box away.

FYI- when you are a newbie and come off making assumptions like that is does make it seem like you are an imposter...

but I don't think the ladies were complaining about the gratuity- it is the fact that it is pounced on you the last minute. You are pretty much paying 20% per person for the waitstaff- which is their gratuity- and then another $1200-1800 for a tip for people who are salaried... I can understand it but they should be upfront about it!!!!! I am not aware of any other catering facility that does the 'executive gratuity'.. it was explained to me that it was for the Matire'D, the Captains and the Chef- but other girls are told it is really the tip because the 20% on top of the per-head price is really their pay- it just is shady.... Yes, the Carlyle is a top notch place- I just got married there and I paid the extra gratuity- BUT I just because they are top notch doesn't mean they get to slip in extra gratuities the last minute..

AND- if you were married there- how come it says in your profile that you are getting married in 2005?????

Nikki,

I think you are confusing willingness to pay a premium for superior service with the Carlyle's lack of transparency over pricing (or tipping).


I'm not sure how it came across that anyone wasn't going to tip. If you read the posts - everyone did tip or plans to do so. I think that the staff should be tipped. If anything, my problem is that since the Carlyle does not mention this, it may surprise a lot of people to find this out a week before their wedding and they may not have planned for it in thier budget. Staff should not suffer because the bride was not able to plan for this added expense.


Nikki - you shouldn't get so upset and defensive. The Carlyle is a nice place and I don't think anyone here said anything to contradict that.
I just prefer places that are a bit more upfront about their pricing and gratuity but had I not found another place, I'm sure I would have been a very happy Carlyle bride.

I've never found anyone there to be rude. However, as a former bride and employee in the service industry, you know weddings are expensive and stressful times. Rudeness from staff is not acceptable under any circumstances.

I also think you may work for them so I think you should tell them to let brides know about this extra fee as far in advance as possible. Many places include the gratuity in the service charge, so it is logical that many thought the 20% here also included gratuity.

And since you feel you are the only bride who is worthy of the Carlyle - I sure hoped you tipped them a heck of a lot (though somehow I doubt that) to make up for brides who were not prepared.

The place I'm going to charges more than the Carlyle. It's not a case of what I can afford, it's where and how I want to spend my money.

And for future reference - your use of alot was incorrect. It is actually spelled 'a lot.' Just though you'd want to know.

Wow- it seems I missed a lot on here last night- what a joke! for all the ladies that are interested in the Carlyle- as a Carlyle Bride I was treated very well, had excellent service and I gladly paid the 'executive gratuity'... BUT I want to make sure all the brides-to-be looking at the Carlyle are aware of this charge so you can be prepared and budget for this expense! It's only fair. AND be aware that the bridal attendant is not included in the executive gratuity either- so be prepared to have another $100.

As far as a bride choosing a reception site above ones means- I don't think that is anyone's business- if someone wanted to take out a 2nd mortgage to pay for it they should STILL not be surprised about the 'executive gratuity'

As I said before (I think), I am, of course, planning on tipping. What I DO NOT agree with is the 'suggested amount,' and the last minute notification. Additionally, I found their wording misleading and was under the impression that the 20% 'service charge' was the gratuity (and yes, it is higher than the customary 18%). For a bride who has accounted for her every last penny, having to come up with an extra $1500 requires some effort. THAT was my only objection.

Also, can someone explain why there are only periods in Nikki's posts? Does that mean she edited them and deleted what was said?

As a newbie myself, I'm a bit confused.

Thanks for all your help, girls!!