extremely tight budget

As a former catering watiress I can vouch for NEVER seeing the tips from the hall! THey keep it, may use it for our salary- but it is not a tip for them

I was usually pretty lucky to work generous weddings where people tipped me, especially when i got them drinks- BUT i DO NOT THINK IT IS NECESSARY, even as a former waitress- it was always nice to come home with a few extra bucks, but I didnt expect it

I know someone who used to work at one of the larger LI caterers and he told us once that as a Maitre D, when someone gave them an envelope for a tip, they were not allowed to open it, but they had to give it directly to the manager who would split it up among the staff...

He had been made aware by other employees that the administrative staff actually made calls and send questionaires to the people who had parties for follow-ups and had the nerve to ask how much they tipped the Maitre D????

I would write 'None of your business!' if asked that after the wedding or other affair.

Tipping is out of control.

I work at a catering hall on the weekends. I don't know about other places but the tips go to managers, maitre d's and captains - so that means that the actually people that are serving your guests are not included in that cut. The only tip we get is if guests are kind enough to do so. Let me tell you being a waitress at a catering hall is hard work. There are set times everything has to be perfect (as it should) and lots of time they are understaffed. I wouldn't be fooled about giving a large tip to the people who do the least amount of work

Sorry if seems bitter just my opinion