Tipping etiquette

[autjo]

If the grat is already in the package don't tip. We were talking about tip stuff over on the Dreams PV thread and here's my take on all of it...

 

For the wedding and reception I budgeted a $20-50 tip for the following (to be on the safe side and note that I say budgeted):

WC

DJ

Photog

Officiant

Bartender

Waiters

Hair/Makeup

 

Since the wedding really isn't part of the AI, I think tips are probably a good idea. I'm going to ask one of the un-bridesmaids and her husband to be in charge of the envelopes (for everyone except the WC and photog) and make some judgement calls on the tips. If Rebeca can't accept a tip I'm going to bring a gift (wine, bath & body gift basket). She has been absolutely amazing so far!

 

Photog tipping etiquette varies pretty drastically. From what I can tell, it is not expected or mandatory. The option that I really like is a thank you card along with an offer to write a recommendation or be used as a reference. Or if your photog is from your home town a dinner invite when you pick up your pics is also an option. But if your photog doesn't own the company and does and outstanding job or does own the company and gives you free stuff, a tip would be appropriate. Also, its a good idea to wait until you get your photos before you tip or offer a recommendation... you've already paid in full for their services so no need to feel bad about waiting.

 

As for the rest of the trip we'll bring a bunch of $ bills and even grab some pesos at the airport. I've been to a bunch of AIs and although tipping "is included" you always get better service if you are friendly with your staff and recognize their hard work. But it is Mexico and you will find the snotty waiters who expect a tip before serving you, I always say forget them and go to someone else!

 

Just my opinions - take them with a grain of salt... or lots of grains of salt and margaritas

[itsfinallyhere]

Quote:

Originally Posted by autjo you always get better service if you are friendly with your staff and recognize their hard work.

I too have been to other AI, and I hae to agree with this senitment. A kind word and small gift goes a long way there. I am bring gift packages for the WC, ladies at front desk, and the maid. These will be given at the beginning of the trip upon arrival. The WC to thank her for she will have already done, the recptionist ladies for what they will do (recieve my guests and take of any problems in the room, I have a aunt that is never happy and my Mom who I want to make sure is happy!), the maid same as front desk staff. I will also give cash for outstanding service to the WC, maid, band, waiters, waitress, restaurant manager, make-up and hair person (I want to extend the hours and am hoping greasing a palm or two will work!) These people all work for next to nothing and are in a country wear storages are common, I am paying for the wedding package ontop of what it costs to go (not included), and if they make me happy I want to make them happy. And when does an unexpected not make you happy?!?

[*~Tara~*]

Thanks girls for the suggestions! I too think that we will make cards and put money inside. That being said, we will base the $ amount on the service that we get. The whole point of tipping is to show appreciation of a job well done, which is hopefully *fingers crossed* what we'll get!

[mimosa123]

thanks this really helped

[EmenGeeRoxx]

Great 'tips' in this thread. Thanks

[jenninjamaica]

Glad to see I'm not the only one confused about all this! But i still have a question. Our AI resorts policy states that tipping is not allowed and we were told that staff had lost their jobs for accepting them. Last time we were there the DJ was kind enough to lend my Fiance a bunch of CDs so he could copy them to our labtop, so he slipped him $20 and after that we never waited for anything. We didn't know if he told his co-workers and that's why (it was off-season so they could just be bored!). But then we didn't know if they were all expecting tips too. Etiquette involving tips is so complicated!!! I guess we will just have to be discreet because I do think certain things deserve a tip!

[hockeymom97]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenninjamaica Glad to see I'm not the only one confused about all this! But i still have a question. Our AI resorts policy states that tipping is not allowed and we were told that staff had lost their jobs for accepting them. Last time we were there the DJ was kind enough to lend my Fiance a bunch of CDs so he could copy them to our labtop, so he slipped him $20 and after that we never waited for anything. We didn't know if he told his co-workers and that's why (it was off-season so they could just be bored!). But then we didn't know if they were all expecting tips too. Etiquette involving tips is so complicated!!! I guess we will just have to be discreet because I do think certain things deserve a tip!

That's a good point. I know tipping generally isn't allowed at an AI, but I hope they'd make exceptions for a wedding since this goes above what's typically included in the cost. I'd hate to get anyone in trouble for accepting a tip, but I definitely believe in tipping when someone does a great job!

[anicoli]

So what percentage do we tip vendors....and by "vendors" we are talking about florist, wedding coordinator, hair and makeup people, bar tenders, bands, minister and drivers...who did i leave out?

 

Still trying to get the right idea

[jh17]

I am preparing envelopes with a thank you card and money before the ceremony so we have them on hand and will give them out provided the service is good (probably $50-$100 depending on the vendor). The one exception is the minister-we wanted to change the wording of the ceremony so my fi will be giving the minister his envelope before the ceremony as a thank you for using the ceremony script we have written. My hope is that this will encourage the minister to stick to the script we have written….

[ssleenyc]

So is the general rule of thumb to tip on items where gratuity is not included? For my result their quote included 20% gratuity on Audio Visual, Bartenders, Waitstaff, and transportation bus drivers.

 

So I plan to tip the wedding coordinator, minister, florist, DJ, and Photographer. What is the amount that is reasonable?