Sunday, December 14, 2008

Incorporating Wedding Etiquette into Your Tipping

By Dixie O Bryan

If you feel that the service provider has gone over and beyond what was expected of them, then it can be appropriate to provide them with more of a tip for your needs. If you feel that the tip is not enough, then by all means, a larger tip can and should be left.

But, Which Services And How Much? Knowing when to tip is just as important. There are several opportunities that you will have to give a tip at. Here's a breakdown of some you should take note of.

Some service providers may already include a tip in the final bill. These vendors include the banquet managers, waiters, bridal consultants, the caterer, and bartenders. A tip of about 15% is usually acceptable. However it should only be given if the service is above the standards of excellence since you are already being billed for a gratuity.

Your Limousine Driver. You should tip the limo driver for your service. Notice in the contract if there is an amount of gratuity already listed. If so, it is not necessary. If not, or you receive high levels of service, a tip of 15% is appropriate.

Photographers, florists and musicians. If not provided in the contract, a tip in the amount of 15% to 20% is appreciated. Of course much more is for better service.

Should the Rabbi, Priest, or Minister receive a Gratuity? This Gratuity should never be neglected since it is not usually provided somewhere else. The groom is responsible for this tip and should give the card and envelope to the best man to give to the Wedding Officiante BEFORE the ceremony as the minister often has to leave after the ceremony. This amount should not be less than $250. While it is a donation, it should always be provided. Also consider the distance the minister had to drive. When you consider that the wedding officiant is the one vendor that must be present for the wedding to actually take place and he or she must have the credentials, training, and skills to make your ceremony beautiful or not, then you realize what a bargain this truly is in the overall wedding budget.

Musicians and organists at the ceremony. These services may have gratuity in the contract, so make sure that you check first. This is only the case if you actually rent the church for use. If not, then a tip should be provided as well. The tip can range form $40 to $75 depending on the amount of service and the quality that is provided.

Proper Wedding Etiquette includes giving gratuities and should not be neglected. The Best Man can be assigned this responsibility if the Groom cannot or prefers not to do this. Following proper wedding etiquette in tipping shows genuine appreciation and class. - 15478

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