So, the original RH contract had a line for 'Extras'. The BM wrote in, and I quote: 'Maitre'D Tip' and 'Bridal Attendant Tip'. FH and I signed that contract over 6 months ago. We were informed last night that there would be two 'Extras', and I quote: the 'Maitre'D Fee of $4/person' and the 'Bridal Attendant Fee of $250'. They wrote these in exactly like that on our final details sheet. FH and I did NOT sign any where on this form. I'm very uncomfortable with this. I told the BM that this wasn't part of our initial contract and that I was uncomfortable with it. The response I got was that it's customary at most RH and yada yada yada... What do you girls think? What, if any are the legalities of changing a tip to a fee? And, if it was originally agreed upon that it was supposed to be a tip, can I just consider this new information like a 'suggested tip amount'.
madseason
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
I only know of one RH that had a set fee for the matire D and the bridal attendant - but they showed it to me up front when we met with them , before signing anything!!
My hall is at my discretion and it says that in my K, and nothing else has been said of it -
I would be uncomfortable too. Its understandable and good thing you didnt sign. Thats NOT in your agreement
angl2001
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
hmmmm thats a little weird that they added that in after..........
our contract has the maitre d fee listed on the contract....but as far as i was told it doesnt ONLY got to the maitre d.....thats why you tip as well. s for the BA that is not listed on my contract....but of course they should be tipped
my RH said $1.50- $3 per person is customary to tip the mairte d i am not basing it on that at all i have $$ set aside for that and i am not gonna sit and figure if it is the 'right ammount' a tip is just that A TIP , extra pay for great service i feel it should always be at the customers discretion
hmmmm.....i dunno how id feel about this
oktom22
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
Which RH is this?
jeanyus27
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
our RH gave us something and they told us that those tips are not mandatory and based on there service we can give what we want. And then they give you the suggested amount. But he said again, you give what you want this is just a guideline. Thats weird that they're making it a fee.
cmjd
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
That is weird. It should have been presented upfront. Our RH only gave us a suggestion to how much to tip.
KiTTeN0819
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
I believe you can fight that. It was not in your initial agreement and you did not sign it. What if your MD or BA is a jerk.. you dont want to be obligated to tip them generously if anything should happen to tick you off. I would call the hall and speak to the head manager.
MrsHtobe
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
That's odd.
I would explain to them that you never actually agreed to give those specific amounts. . .tips are discretionary and people should have to earn their tips.
I obviously think you should tip them, but the amount you give them should be up to you.
I don't think they can make you pay those amounts.
siffleuse319
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
Thanks ladies.....I think we're all correct in thinking that it's just wrong. Contracts don't change, and no one tells me what I must tip. It compromises the integrity of the whole incentive system. And, that's that. I'm already mandated to pay for a 'service charge' that gets taxed. And so, I'm uncomfortable with another mandatory gratuity. It just seems contrary to the whole idea of working for your tips! But...BUMP for the afternoon/evening gals.
wundmoretime
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
I hard the best threat is to tell them that you will blast them on LIW. It works, I tried it with the shuttle service I picked. We are paying and agreed to $1.50 pp mgr fee and 18% service charge. That is about $13.50 pp for us. Yours may be cheaper that way, so long as you are not paying a percentage on top of that.
PreshusSmurf
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
At our hall the suggested tip for the Matire'd is $3 - $5, so the amount the wrote in of $4 is right in line with that .... but its only a guideline.
I don't recall what the suggested tip for the Bridal Attendant was.
Either way, it doesn't make sense for them to change it to a fee ... and doesn't make sense for them to tell you exactly how much ... nor for them to collect it upfront.
MyLobster
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
That's not right....anything 'mandatory' should've been included in the contract. They have to honor the original contract that was SIGNED just as you do. You could not turn around and include something without it being in the contract right?
My RH charged $450 in gratuity for the 2 maitred, head waiter, captain and bridal attendant. That's $90 each. This was explained to me before we signed anything. I was fine with that knowing how much work is involved in catering. I was actually happy they did that cause I would've probably given more.
I would explain to them that since it was not in the contract at signing, you will tip as you see fit.
missK
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
I didnt have anything written but when I asked I was told the Bridal attendant tip should be around $150 and the Maitre d any where from 600 to 800 I think. and then maybe the captain?? Im not sure bbut they shouldnt tell you how much you should tip anyone except what it is for the RH (18%?)
and when are you supposed to pay that ? Before the wedding??? what if they stink???
kimandvin
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Re: Need Advice: Surprise RH FEE??
If that was not noted exactly like that on the inital form/contract. then you are not by any means responsible to pay that much! htas a lot of money! the tip is up to you. its customary obviosly to give about 20 percent however you are not obligated.. especially if at the end of hte eveening you areNOT satisfied. I would not let them get away with it and tell them exactly how you feel! tell them you will tip up to your discression but since that was not on your other contracts you are not obligated to pay!
