Does everyone have this service charge with their hall? I told my FH that most halls charge this, do they? This service charge does not include the tip!
Sonicstef
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Re: Service Charge!
Most halls are now calling the 'gratuity' charge a 'service' charge so they can charge tax on it. Its a disgraceful practice but nearly all of the reception venues that I looked into do this.
That charge is supposed to be a gratuity to the waitstaff although the hall gets to keep a percentage.
This DOES NOT mean you have to tip the waitstaff in addition - although additional gratuities for the catering manager/maidre d are pretty common and expected.
aug9bride
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Re: Service Charge!
Thanks Sonicstef, I thought we would have to tip the waitstaff too!
yabbobay
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Re: Service Charge!
Just checked my contract and it does say service charge, but when I did the math...they did not charge tax for it
and they told me that it covers waitstaff and barstaff only...
J&A
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Re: Service Charge!
FYI...
I worked at a catering hall when I was in college and I can tell you first hand that the waitstaff NEVER sees a dime of the 'gratuity'! It's not the clients fault, they think that is where the money is going, but it doesn't. To make matters worse...the bartender always gets tips and the client would always give an extra tip to the maidre d at the end of the night...the maidre d always got tipped and the waitstaff was always out of luck! Trust me...the waitstaff is doing the majority of the work and would greatly appreciate it if you gave them a little something at the end of the night!
shamma
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Re: Service Charge!
We had the rude awakening on Tuesday night Since I had been doing all the planning it was more of a rude awakening for my FI My FI wanted to ask them to take it off, I told him that they all do it. He was pretty teeded off. I told him if he had paid more attention these things would not surprise him. I don't think it is right but what can we do.
aug9bride
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Re: Service Charge!
Shamma, I'm im the same boat. My FI is so mad about this service charge but he was there when I signed the contract. I agree with him that it is unfair but what can we do especially when all the halls are doing this? I am sure we will have a few more rude awakenings before our planning is up.
Sonicstef
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Re: Service Charge!
I just want to add that SOME halls do give a portion of the service charge to the waitstaff. I think it depends on the establishment.
My reception site is a private club where the waitstaff is on full salary with benefits, etc.. Their main business is NOT weddings or functions. So I know my service charge is not going to the staff but a tip to the WAITSTAFF is not expected or accepted.
jennbaby
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Re: Service Charge!
this is an unfair but 'legite' way to charge extra $. they all do it and aren't supposed to but what can we do? just enjoy.
