What is a the appropriate amount to pay someone to help out at a graduation picnic so I can tend to guests?

Question

I am graduating by celebrating with a pig roast for under 50 people to be held at a outside pavillioned gun club. I have been to a pig roast before and know that the coordination on the day of the event is similar to a conductor with a symphony. My husband will "man" the pig and the beverages. I am to see to the needs of our guests. This third person will be in charge of the kitchen including covered dish buffet and assisting with set up and clean up.

She has experience. She assisted her relative with larger pig roasts with approx. 150-175 people. I want to offer paying an amount for a good day's work and then tip 20% based upon superior service. We do expect to order a larger pig than is required so that we can freeze and provide take home thank you gifts to those who helped out. We would give her 5-10 lbs pork. Is $40-$50 insulting?

Answer 1

I am an event coordinator and I would say $75 is fair as long as you tip well (based on her service) and throw in the pork.   Does she eat pork?  There is a lot of behind the scenes stuff that you probably don't realize.  Set up and clean up alone is quite a chore, even with just under 50 people.  What did her relative pay her?  Any idea?  How many hours will she be there? All day?  Over 8 hours?  That should be a factor too in determining her pay.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

You didn't say how long this would go on.  I'd want at least $150 as a fee, or $20 an hour.  Actually I'd take a bit less since you're tossing in free pork, but maybe toss in a gift certificate for a massage for all her hard work?  After all, this party is for YOU, you should be able to enjoy yourself instead of worrying about details that day.  And congrats on graduating!

Answer 3

$10 hour plus tip

Answer 4

When I cater for a friends party like that I feel fine charging at least $100. A tip is usually added and just being there for them is gratifying.

Answer 5

I would personally give her $100.00 for the day, that is alot of work. From the buffet to the cleaning, it's a lot harder than you think and not to include time consuming. Or you could go by hour. You should pay about $15.00 an hour.