Tipping Help!

I know that there have been a lot of messages about tipping, but I did a search and can`t pull any of them up. I have one week left and can`t remember who I have to tip and how much. The hall said that the service charge includes the maitre`D and bridal assistant. Do I still have to tip them? What about the band? Do I tip each person? Our limos are charging a 18% gratuity, do we tip them? I also have the priest, singer, organist, bagpiper, altar boys, photographer, videographer, and lighting assistant. Also, I am not sure if I should tip someone who is charging a specific fee for his/her service, and they get the whole amount. Please Help!

Tipping Help! (Long)

Well, there are probably those out there that disagree with me - this tends to be a sensitive subject -- but here's what I did (in order of the day!). Tipped the priest and the altar servers (not the singer or the organist). Did not tip limo guys because tip was included - although my parents threw their driver an extra tip because he went above and beyond for them -- I tipped the maitre d' because he was not included in the gratuity charged by the hall. I tipped the d.j. one tip and if he split it with the mc and roadie, well that was his call. I did not tip the photographer or the videographer, not because I didn't like them but for 3 reasons - one, they both own their own studios so it stands to reason that they get most of the money they are charging for themselves. Second, they were getting more money than any other vendor and my husband absolutely refused to tip any more people, especially owners we were paying so much to, and third, because we had no idea that night whether they actually did a good job - e.g. film in camera, video any good, etc. etc. and how can you tip for good service when you don't know what the service is like? I have seen my photographer several times after the wedding and he does not seem to be holding the no tip against me, rather, he has continued to go above and beyond. So...that's what we did. I think it's a matter of means and personal preference. Also consider that you are feeding all of these people and paying for that too. Good Luck!

Tipping Help! (Long) Lee-Thanks *NM* *NM*

Tipping Help!

Don't forget to check your contracts as many of them include a gratuity that is worked into the final price. My maitre d' 'tip' is actually stated in the contract, and my limo gratuity is also on the contract. This may influence whether or not you want to tip further. My photographer is the owner. This is just my personal opinion, but for the priest/pastor, church etc., I don't thinkg that it is considered a tip. It is a service fee and if you would like to contribute more as a 'gift', then you may, but I don't think it is a gratuity based fee. If you are going to tip, the idea is to tip before the service is performed, so that they will go especially out of their way for you. You don't want to leave it to chance on some of them that they will do a poor job, and then have to tip them anyway. My personal opinion is that if you give them the money up front, they are more inclined to do a better job.

Tipping Help!

I have never heard of tipping beforehand to guarantee service - after all, this is a word of mouth business and if a vendor provides you with bad service you will not refer him to anyone. Just as a follow up - as I said, I did not tip my photographer and my proofs are absolutely gorgeous. As were my thank yous, and the service - what photographer picks up the proof for the thank you at your home and then delivers the thank you photos to your door?? I think it is all really a matter of personal opinion. All of my vendors did a fabulous job and were either tipped at the end of the night or not at all - you can check the knot for more etiquette on tipping also. This has always been a touchy subject since I first came on this board more than a year ago...do whatever you are comfortable with.