With so many people dedicating their time to making your wedding day a memorable one, it is customary to want to express your gratitude in some way. But how much and when? That is the question!
Thanking your friends is always easy. You seem to know just what to do for the person who watched your house, or ran your errands, or even just gave you a shoulder to cry on! But when it comes to thanking people in the service industry, we are never sure when we've given too much or, worse yet, too little. The following represents all the possible facets of your perfect day, complete with suggested gratuities. Of course, only impeccable service need be rewarded above and beyond the norm, so "respond" accordingly!
- Your church and/or clergy: In most instances, a requested "donation" has already been asked of you. But if this is not the case, ask your church's secretary what might be appropriate. And always present your clergy (and his or her spouse, when applicable), with an invitation to your reception.
- Your limo driver: Unless the gratuity is already included, a standard tip would be 10%-15% of the full service price. Of course, if your driver was less than courteous, don't bother! And, in such an unfortunate case, be sure to call the company at some point, and express your displeasure to the manager. The company really should know.
- Your banquet sales representative: Was he or she extremely helpful and courteous? Did he or she stay past normal office hours on more than one occasion to meet with you? Were you given assistance with creative ideas and/or budgeting problems? One of the nicest gestures you can make is to write a letter to the facility's general manager in praise of this person. Then send a separate thank-you card to your sales rep. You might also considering letting him or her know that you would willingly act as a reference for any future bride. Just be sure to note that you will call about any inquiry yourself, therefore keeping your phone number private.
- Your reception coordinator: If your banquet sales rep not only assisted with your plans, but went on to be your wedding day host or hostess as well, you may wish to do a little more than I mentioned above. A special desk memento would be nice. Or, if you conversed on a personal level during your planning sessions, you may know of something more meaningful to him or her. A gift certificate for a favorite restaurant in town? A music box? You needn't spend a lot. It's the gesture of your appreciation that counts.
- If a separate coordinator worked with you on your wedding day, a cash gratuity is always nice if that person was attentive, courteous, and personable beyond your expectations. (In other words, was he or she just doing a job, or were you made to feel incredibly special?) Did your coordinator see to the comforts of your guests as well, making sure that everyone was pleased with the food, etc.? Did your day go as you planned it because of this very special person? (That is, were minor problems handled quietly, efficiently, and to your satisfaction?) There is no guideline or percentage to consider when tipping such a person, but somewhere in the range of twenty to twenty-five dollars is quite acceptable.
- The serving staff: Banquet servers have a guaranteed percentage of the gratuity you have already paid. But in many facilities, it doesn't always chalk up to 20%. Was your head waiter or waitress extremely attentive to the bridal party's needs? Then multiply the number of guests the head waiter or waitress was responsible for serving, and multiply that figure by two. (For example 18 x 2 = $36.00.) And if the serving staff in general acted above and beyond the call of gracious-., ness, give the head waiter or waitress $10.00—$15.0.0 per server and ask that he or she distribute it with your thanks and appreciation. * The bartender (s) will generally be tipped well by your guests. But if you find that they have gone out of their way to be helpful you may wish to present them with $10.00-115.00 cash as a thank-you for the extra service. (For example, have they brought your drink orders to the head table, themselves? Have they carried drinks to the tables for ladies? Did they assist the serving staff by pouring coffee at dinner time?)
- Valets and coatroom attendants: If such people worked a part of your special day, their gratuities should have been amply covered by your guests.
- Entertainment: Providing your band or DJ with a meal shows your appreciation for their efforts in making your day a special one. But if you'd like to take it a step further, you could offer to buy them a drink or two.
- Photographer and/or videographer: Aside from a complimentary meal and a drink or two from your bar, I would suggest making a cash gratuity when your photographer or videographer agrees to stay later than he or she was contracted for without charging you an additional fee. Figure roughly $20.00 per extra hour.
- Your florist and baker typically do not expect to be tipped for their services. But if you felt their efforts deserve recognition, be sure to write letters of praise to each shop.
No comments:
Post a Comment