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Service providers and gratuity

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shilo2012 Posts : 14 Registered: 1/11/11
Service providers and gratuity
Posted: Jan 14, 2011 8:08 AM

Just wondering what is acceptable here. Im thinking for the person who marries us, the photographer and DJ. And what about the banquet hall? The package we are doing includes a custom cake as well as centerpieces so no baker or florist needed. The price for that included an 18% service charge and 10% sales tax. Oh, and its open bar so we will need to tip the bartender Im sure.
So, what is acceptable?


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NightfallenRain Posts : 120 Registered: 7/23/07
Re: Service providers and gratuity
Posted: Jan 24, 2011 10:03 PM Go to message in response to: shilo2012

Hi! I am from New Jersey so it is 7% sales tax here and 20% gratuity depending on the vendor. So far I am providing gratuity for my ceremony/reception site (it's contractual) and our photographer, DJ, florist (because they are delivering my flowers) and officiant. We are only having beer and wine at our reception and so I figure the gratuity covers all their services on wedding day including the bar. Also, if someone is doing your hair and makeup they get gratuity as well. Any transportation or ceremony musician does as well.

Don't forget to take the amount for the service provided (let's say $500.00) and then calculate the sales tax (in your case, 10% which would be $50.00) and then go back to the original charge ($500.00) and then figure the gratuity (20% = $100) and add all those numbers together for the total ($650.00)

"The woman came from a man's rib.  Not from his feet to be walked on, not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal, under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved."

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PharmToxGirl Posts : 5,462 Registered: 8/30/07
Re: Service providers and gratuity
Posted: Jan 24, 2011 10:19 PM Go to message in response to: shilo2012

Usually it's considered if the person owns the business then you don't need to tip unless you really feel they went above and beyond.

I don't see why you would tip the bartenders and not tip waitstaff.

But I would like to point out (I've worked for catering companies) the gratuity doesn't usually go to the staff working the event. The only time I've seen a gratuity is when they cut a whole other check (which most people don't do) or I was handed $20.

I'm not saying you have to tip all the staff - I didn't but they also usually get paid a livable wage to work.

So my point is - if you assume that the added gratuity goes to the staff it may not and you may want to ask.

 

 

 

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MagicalMomentsP... Posts : 742 Registered: 3/6/06
Re: Service providers and gratuity
Posted: Jan 24, 2011 10:58 PM Go to message in response to: NightfallenRain

The best tip I can receive as a photographer is when somebody recommends me to other people planning their weddings. When somebody owns the company we don't really expect tips. Should I work for somebody else, only a small portion of what you've paid is given to me. However, I do have to say that when I'm working for myself and I receive a tip, I really appreciate it. At that point, with still lots more work to do, I'm more likely to give just a little bit more. That does not mean I'll slight a client for not giving a tip. Perhaps I'll get their photos up in a two days instead of three. Perhaps, I'll give them an extra print. Who knows, but I can tell you it does create a nice warm fuzzy. In the end, tips are appreciated but not required for folks who work for themselves. For people who are employees, tips are also appreciated but they should be earned.

Howard Kier, Certified Professional Wedding Photographer

Magical Moments Photography


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wzq103 Posts : 2,771 Registered: 9/11/12
Re: Service providers and gratuity
Posted: Sep 14, 2012 12:21 AM Go to message in response to: shilo2012

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