Gratuity for caterers, not included in final bill?

Question

Spoke with the caterers yesterday...they told me that they did not include the 18%-20% gratuity on the bill because we are bringing in our own liquor. They said its customary to tip for the food and beverage only and that I can bring it to the wedding reception in cash.

But if you calculate 20% of the food and beverage total, that's almost $1000 in cash....and well I don't know if that's a smart thing to bring 1K in cash in an envelope. Have other people been in this situation? I can charge the gratuity on credit before the wedding, but i wanted to give it to them AFTER they've done the service.

Answer 1

cash?  no....NO!!  NOOOOO!!!  we added 15 percent to the final bill and put it on the card...yes...it was close to 1k but just like eating out you have to assume that that is part of the total bill of the wedding...tip dj, etc....actually....the dj i think we handed him 15 percent in cash..but NO WAY on the food...too much money

Answer 2

Get a money order, then have the best man give them the tip at the end of the reception

Answer 3

see how the service goes.....hope all is well.....

put it on the bill.....they have a spot just for that...

Answer 4

Don't give them cash.  And if you do, make sure you get some kind of receipt.  I actually find it pretty shady to give them that much and to have them request cash.  I'd look thru any info you got from them and what is says about tips.

Answer 5

You just give a cheque, not cash.