SURVEY

Can I assume you are talking about the price before taxes and gratuities (=17% more)??

Good luck with your search. I was very impressed with Patken's professinalism as well as how honest they were with pricing and how to get the most for your money. They really showed us ways to save and was able to make a custom package to our needs. We booked reight on the spot. I am a picture person and decided that I'd rather get a bigger photo package than a video. I didn't even look at theirs though. Patken's style was more for us then the "posed" look of some other places.

You only need to tip over that for the Maitre'D and the bridal attendant. That is how mine is at the Milleridge.

Or perhaps "My family and attendants have been asking what plans you are making for the rehearsal dinner so they can mark it on their calendars - what should I tell them?"

Kate-where are you having your wedding? How are you feeling? Last I read you were cool calm & collected. I hope you are still :-) 10 days or so right??

I have stressed this to the banquet manager and also to the person with whom we set menus. I tend to get light headed in the heat...or in stress(great, huh?) so I need to make sure I eat.

I agree that gratuities have become another way to jack up the price. I always thought gratuities were supplementing a lower wage position, ie: waiter or cab where they worked at a lower wage with the understanding that they hustled to provide extra good service for a tip.

Maitre 'D? I don't know - what's their pay scale. It is somewhat traditional to tip them in better restaurants but I object to a flat-rate requrement. As for photographers, rates I've seen have averaged WELL over minimum wage, even when you figure in for consultation and pre-wedding photos, after wedding album work, etc. Florists & cakes? I thought you tipped the delivery guys (traditional for delivery service - again, low pay-scale) but not the baker and florist. Perhaps a small thank-you gift after if you thought the job was ABOVE and BEYOND, not if it was as you contracted for.

That's the key - Above and Beyond. "TIP" is derived from "To Insure Promptness" and should be to thank someone for extra-special service that is beyond what you contracted for. The only possible reason for having the Maitre'D tip separate is that you MIGHT avoid extra tax on that. I was told that when it's Gratuities included then they have to Tax you on the gratuities because the catering hall is taking the money as part of the overall fee and is taxed on it.