Resort taxes?

[ny-bze]

Hello,

 

We are finalizing our wedding details and recently found out that the resort is charging a 20% tax/service charge on all items that we purchase through them, including vendor fees, decor, food, etc. We expected to pay a tax and service charge on food and beverage, but were a little surprised that the tax/svc charge is applied to everything (since this bumps up our music, florist and photography fees that are from outside vendors). Particularly since they require that we book vendors through them.

 

Is this tax normal? When we asked they said this is customary for all resorts, so I wanted to get some perspectives from other brides. Note, we are not at an AI, so all of our costs are essentially a la carte.

 

Thanks for any info on this!

 

Cheers,

jamie