Tipping Guidelines/Service Charge

Does anyone have any idea what the tipping guidelines are? I know that there are service charges of 18% to 20% of the total charges, and I thought that covered the tip, but a few of the catering halls have indicated that the tips were not included. (Conversations I have had with other catering halls indicated that the service charge included the tip, but I could pass a little something extra to the Matre'D if I wanted ).
1) What do the service chareges cover?
2) Are all of the tips fo the catering hall included?
3) If I desire, what extra should I tip the Matre'D?
4) What about the Band, Photographer, Limo Driver and Florist? Do they get tipped too?

Thanks,

Eric B.

1) If your reception hall quotes u lets say $80 and states the 'service Charge' is included that means the gratuity that can be [15, 18, or 20%] is already inserted in that amount

2) Every hall is different, not everywhere is the tip aka gratuity aka service charge is included. The $ for the Maitre D is usually never included and that is anywhere form $3-$6 a person

3) Tipping the Maitre D is customary and very good especially if she does a good job and the party runs smoothlyy...If theres 200 people at ur wedding u can tip 200x$3 = $600 or if shes amazing maybe increase that amount

4) All of them get tipped too, if you want and provided they do the job well...

i know ur already paying so much than u have to set aside money for tips! kinda stinks...

good luck w/ everything

this IS WHAT one bride TIPPED....


Matre d'- $520 ($3 pp)
Bridal Attendent - $100
Photographer - $100
Videographer - $100
Assistant - $50
MC - $100
DJ - $50
Flower Delivery Guy - $40
Makeup Artist - $70 (she did me, my mom and my sister)
Hair Stylist - $20
Limo Drivers - $50 each

This is what another bride tipped on LIWedding.



DJ $ 50
MC $ 50
Photo $ 75
Video $ 75
Limo (2) $ 75
Matre’d $ 300 (120pl)
Hair/makeup $ 50
Bridal attendat $ 75

TOTAL $750