Post # 1

Member
210 posts
Helper bee
Hi Hive –
I’m getting quotes from caterers and trying to figure out the whole cost including fees, etc. Most commonly I see 20-22% service fees, with 8% tax on top of that. Am I expected to tip, too? Or does some sort of gratuity get figured in there?
Grateful for any advice! Thanks.
Post # 3

Member
10354 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
Pfft. I didn’t! Way too much service charge anyway…!
Post # 3

Member
980 posts
Busy bee
At my venue, service charge = gratuity. I was told this was the case for most private clubs. Doesn’t hurt to ask though to be sure 🙂
Post # 4

Member
1633 posts
Bumble bee
You should ask the caterers exactly what the service charge covers, but in most cases they’ll tell you it is not a gratuity – it’s sort of like a time and labor cost. You’re not required to tip the servers on top of that but of course you can tip them if you felt the service was excellent.
Post # 5

Member
201 posts
Helper bee
Our venue also automatically adds a 21% service charge. I don’t plan on tipping separately.
Post # 6

Member
2699 posts
Sugar bee
Unless you receive excellent service from an individual, it is not customary to tip anymore than the service charge. That is just my understanding.
Post # 7

Member
168 posts
Blushing bee
no, u do not need to tip if there is already a service charge
Post # 8

Member
16 posts
Newbee
Only if you feel the service was worth more.
Just wait until after