Tipping - vendors and hospitality

[bowies]

I might have posted before about this but my memory is shot.

How much do we tip vendors?  Hair/makeup I'm used to, but what about the DJ and catering staff?  We've got a few waiters, a bartender, a chef, a kitchen assistant, and the event manager.  

We are going to an all-inclusive resort on our honeymoon.  I know they say "tips included" but are there exceptions?  I don't want to stiff someone.  And if we tip, do we do it in American dollars or pesos?

[captainmel]

I know nothing.

I will say when I helped a customer pick out a bunch of wedding dress fabric last week and they tipped me $20 it made my day. It was completely unexpected.

[Deleted]

20% on vendors. I'm not sure about the inclusive honeymoon.

[bowies]

Whoa, 20%?!?!? The Google was telling me $50-100 each but with varying answers on an even split vs. more to some than others.

[Muddled]

I don't remember about vendors. I'll get back to you.

As for all-inclusives, I do recommend tipping your server by the pool. Give him a big tip with your first order and he will take care of you all week long. Dollars are fine.

[Deleted]

Sept 9, 2013 21:15:45 GMT -5 bowies said:

Whoa, 20%?!?!? The Google was telling me $50-100 each but with varying answers on an even split vs. more to some than others.

Oh strange? I have always heard 15-20%. Our reception venue actually calculated it into the cost (I think they added 18% and $100 extra to staff an extra person because we opted for the sit down dinner). I tipped the DJ 20%, but he was really our only vendor. I did not pay for my hair, but I tipped 20% for my makeup. 

[starburst604]

I'll probably tip my DJ $150. Is any gratuity included in your venue costs? It is for mine and that covers all the servers and bartenders, but I'll still tip the coordinator and her assistant *something* - haven't decided how much yet - couple hundred dollars maybe?

I always tip at least something to servers at all-inclusives. They work really hard for very little in most instances and they seem to REALLY appreciate it. Agree with Muddled, tip them well at the start of the day at the pool and when it gets busy they'll make you a priority.

[neonpink]

I don't remember for vendors. It's been to long.

For all inclusive. I know my parents when they went to Mexico and tipped housekeeping in American Dollars. They came home to their room with extra candies, more elaborate towels and one time some homemade dessert. I don't know if that's the norm but my parents were just being thankful and didn't leave a ton. I guess it really helped her out financially.

[bowies]

Our caterer doesn't include gratuity in their charges (we hired caterers separate from the venue). Does $100 each for DJ and event manager and $50 for the waiters/bartender sound too chintzy? Keep in mind this is a small wedding without a formal dinner.

[Deleted]

Sept 10, 2013 20:01:55 GMT -5 bowies said:

Our caterer doesn't include gratuity in their charges (we hired caterers separate from the venue). Does $100 each for DJ and event manager and $50 for the waiters/bartender sound too chintzy? Keep in mind this is a small wedding without a formal dinner.

I think that would prob be fine, especially since you have no formal dinner. 

[Deleted]

Have you asked imoan? She might be able to answer this question the best.