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This may be a dumb question but if a gratuity is already accounted for in the catering costs, do we still have to tip the vendor after the reception?

I think of the gratuity as the tip, so unless the vendor were to go waaaaay above and beyond my expectations, then you don't need to tip.

It's kinda like when you are at a restaurant in a larger group, they just automatically (at many places) add a gratuity.

Unfortunately, it is typical of many places - especially hotels and conference/event centers.  Though in some cases, folks still expect an additional tip *on top of* the 20% already added.  crazy madness.

   Is it necessary?  No.  Is it nice? Yes, it's always nice to be generous.  

  If you do tip, always tip during the beginning of the fuction.  It ensures excellent service. The gratuity placed on your bill is split between A LOT of people.  You don't see many of the behind the scenes people.    Personally, I would have the banquet manager gather the staff prior to the event and have someone you trust hand out envelopes containing something and a nice thank you.  I'm not sure what you're thinking about for a tip, but put yourself in the server's shoes.. you're making 8-9 dollars and hour, someone hands you an envelope from the bride and groom with an extra (insert number here) bucks in it... wouldn't you want to show your appreciation for their kindness? Wouldn't you think this is like the coolest couple in the world?

  Trust me, the waitstaff will respond with beyond excellent service.

   I worked in a restaraunt all through college to support myself.  During my time there we did a few weddings.  Most weddings were for about 120 people with 18 percent gratuity.  We all worked for about 12 hours (set up and break down 2p.m. 2a.m.) for an hourly wage of 5.00 an hour.  When we recieved our gratuity at the end of the night we all walked with a 100 dollars- for 12 hours of hard work.   

In my humble opinion: NO!!!!  You're already tipping a huge chunk of change -- probably in the thousands of dollars range, and you're not an ATM. 

Also in my experience as a caterer, tips often don't get split evenly.  Where I worked we officially weren't allowed to accept tips, so it was all done under the table.  This means that one person was often able to pocket a hefty amount of money, while the rest simply got their hourly wages.  And the level of service doesn't always correspond with tipping alone.  It also depends on how curteous guests are to the staff and such.  Bottom line: additional tips are unneccessary unless you've got a big ol' wad of cash burning a whole in your pocket.  And after a wedding, who does?

dang, i calculated, even if i only worked a 8-5 day (which I don't, usually i don't leave til much later...8 or 10PM is very usual), i make $4.30 an hour...

the place i'm having a wedding said they pay their people well and that's where the gratuity goes... if you think about it, they must if the gratuity is already a few thousand and divide that by even 20 people, they're making about 200+ a day... that's pretty darn good.

Rebecca-  I would never ask how much a server or anyone else was paid.  If someone came to the location you worked for a service your employer provided what would you think if the customer inquired as to how much you were paid?!  You'd be turned off, as would your boss.

  A tip is to show your appreciation, it doesn't matter how much they are paid.  Like I said, it is not necessary- it is nice.