Suggestion: Tipping at reception hall

I just wanted to suggest to all of you that if you are planning to tip the waitstaff at your reception hall: give it to them directly. The maitre'd should get a seperate tip. I've worked in several catering halls (and nice ones at that) and I can't tell you how many times brides/grooms have left tips with the maitre'd that were pocketed by them. They feel it is their right to keep any tips since they planned and oversaw the party. I know this because many times customers as an afterthought would call to speak to us directly to find out if we received the tip and were embarassed and infuriated that we hadn't. Just wanted to pass that along because many well intentioned people are not aware of how things are run behind the scenes.

Suggestion: Tipping at reception hall

This is a definite. Either hand tips to people personally or put them in an envelope marked waitstaff. If possible, find out how many waiters there will be, and make out that amount of envelopes so each gets your intended amount. Giving one lump sum for them to split will in all probability screw some people over.(It will get divided unevenly according to the captian or mater'd's discretion.) --speaking from experience

Suggestion: Tipping at reception hall

The tip for waitstaff is included in my contract. Only the maitre'd and bridal have to be tipped separately.

Suggestion: Tipping at reception hall

That gratuity in the contract will almost definitely not go to the waitstaff. The waiters get paid generally $8-$10 per hour...and this is where they say the 'tip' is applied. It is recycled back into the owner's pocket. The only tips we've ever received were by enlightened guests who handed the cash to us themselves. If that would bother you, call and ask to speak with the waiter that worked your table when you return from your honeymoon. I know the deal all too well. Most people like you are honest and they have no idea what really goes on. I wish I were wrong.

Thanks for the great info Amy- very helpful *NM*

Suggestion: Tipping at reception hall

I have to say that I am very disappointed to find out that all these hardworking people don't actually see that gratuity tacked onto the bill...what an incredible rip off! I never knew that...I have never left a tip at a wedding as a guest unless someone did something spectacular for me! Now I'm not sure if we are supposed to leave an 'extra' tip for the waitstaff or what?

Suggestion: Tipping at reception hall

As the tip is included as part of the contract I do not have the option of tipping separately for the waitstaff etc. Unfortunately I am on a tight budget and to have to tip everyone after having the gratuity included in our price would be cost prohibitive.