Photo Courtesy of Project Wedding
Hello SJE fans! It’s a rainy Monday here in Houston but that won’t stop us! On Saturday Team SJE was at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in the gem exhibit for a ceremony and reception that simply sparkled. Of course the gems surrounding the guests were beautiful but I think the real beauty of this intimate affair was its simplicity. Stay tuned for pictures!
Every Monday we like to highlight wedding etiquette. This Monday’s etiquette piece will address vendors you hired for your big day like your band, d.j., photographer, and event coordinator.
1. Should your vendor expect to be served dinner at your reception?
Your vendor should not EXPECT to be fed at your reception. However, some vendors will have a clause written into their contract stipulating that they’ll receive a meal during your reception. So don’t forget to add them to your guest count. Common courtesy does dictate that you should feed your vendor. Although some vendors bring their own food, you should never assume they will. You wouldn’t want your vendor passing out during your festivities, right? We recommend that you consider this detail before your big day.
2. Should I tip my vendor?
Well, it depends. Gratuity situations should be approached on a case-by-case basis but you may use these tips as a guide:
*Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist
Protocol: Expected
Standard: 15 to 25 percent
*Delivery and Set-up Staff
Protocol: Expected
Standard: $5 to $10 per person
*Officiant
Protocol: Expected
The standards: Donate $500+ to the church or synagogue or for a nondenominational church, between $50 and $100
*Ceremony Musicians
Protocol: Optional
Standard: $15 to $20 per musician
*Photographer/Videographer
Protocol: Unnecessary, unless the photographer is not the studio owner
Standard: $50 to $200 per vendor
*Reception Staff
Protocol: Expected
Standard: 15-20 percent of the food and drink fee (based on labor not the cost), or $200 to $300 for the maitre’d.
*Reception Attendants
Protocol: Optional based on contract
Standard: $20 – $25 per bartender or waiter; $1 per guest for coat room and parking attendants; $1 per car
*Reception Musicians
Protocol: Optional, yet preferred
Standard: $20 – $25 per musician; $50 – $150 for DJ
*Transportation
Protocol: Expected
The Standard: 15 – 20 percent of the total bill
*Wedding Planner
Protocol: Optional
Standard: Up to $500, or a nice gift
*Information courtesy of the TheKnot.com
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