I feel very strongly about feeding vendors and current tipping policies or suggestions.
Meaning that I do encourage my clients to feed thier vendors that are spending the whole day with them. Really it's not required it's just polite!
Tipping I believe should be completely voluntary and if you feel it's warranted. I don't agree with the "gratuity charge" already included with so many venues because I know that it doesn't go to the staff that worked all night for it. But since I can't make that policy go away - here are my thoughts on tipping in general.
My original post from Sept 07 with some updates:
Feeding and Tipping Vendors
I have been avoiding this blog topic because I don't want it to seem as though I'm asking for food or tips but it's has always been a repeated question from my clients and recently even more, so I'm adding it now.
Here is my take on tips based on experience and communicating with vendors...it's not exactly what you would find in the big book of rules:
First the definition of gratuity - "something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service."
Start by checking your contracts most times transportation and catering will already include gratuity. I personally don't think that gratuity should be automatically included but with an entire catering staff it would be hard to take care of everyone.
Gratuities are generally given to those who provided a service not necessarily a product you are purchasing. Gratuities are appreciated by everyone and deserving to anyone whom you felt went above and beyond. The suggested amount of 15% is a good starting place but isn't always reasonable with wedding totals. In my experience the amounts vary but generally are in the $25-$250+ range per person. Cash is great, but check is acceptable as well.
Bottom-line....tips are a sign of your appreciation for their services. If you don't feel someone earned the tip then it's not necessary, if you felt someone went above and beyond then your tip will be appreciated. Even if they are the owner of the business, often small business owners aren't making a lot as they are covering all the overhead. Again, not that I am personally looking for tips, but I have had clients say "I heard you don't tip the owner of a business" when frankly they are working their tails off just as anyone else and often making less. So many wedding vendors are small business owners who trully appreciate your token of appreciatation. BUT again, they are not required and a simple thank you note goes along way.
Feeding Vendors....
Again check your contracts; some vendors now require a meal. Not only a meal but the same meal the guests are eating and in the same room with the guests.
There are many reasons for this....wedding day events don't stop...therefore no lunch breaks. If something spontaneous would happen it is important that the vendors are in the room with the rest of the action. Vendors are working a minimum of 8 hours most times therefore a meal and place to sit are greatly appreciated.
As for serving them the same meal that your guests are having it is because the "vendor meals" provided by some locations aren't always adequate. Generally you will have 2-6 vendors that will need a meal. In most cases you will have 6-8 guests who thought they were going to be attending but couldn't for some reason. You shouldn't have to actually order additional meals for your vendors. Ask any vendor that will be spending more than 8 hours with you if they would like a meal. Also note if you are paying for a meal for your vendor, that they should not be included in the alcohol count, they should not be drinking alcohol.
A place to sit down all of our gear and take a seat but see all the action is perfect. A separate vendor table, in the corner, near the wall, near electrical outlet is always a plus. It doesn't have to be decorated like the other tables. This allows us to jump up at any moment and attend to, photograph, or video anything that is going on that might not have been planed or started without your/our knowledge.
As always if this sparks any additional questions please don't hesitate to ask! If there are any questions on a different topic I would love to hear that too!!
Best Wishes & Happy Planning!! Sabrina