How Much to Tip Wedding Catering Staff

Check your contract first

Before you budget for catering tips, read your contract carefully. Look for words like "gratuity" or "service charge." Gratuity goes to the staff. Service charges might not. This is the most important distinction in all of wedding tipping. If your contract includes 18% to 22% gratuity, you're covered. If it says service charge, ask your caterer directly where that money goes.

Standard tip range

If gratuity isn't included, plan on 15% to 20% of the food and beverage total. For a $5,000 catering bill, that's $750 to $1,000. Some couples prefer to tip per server instead. $20 to $50 per server is reasonable, with a bit extra for the captain or head waiter.

How to distribute

Give the total tip to the catering manager or banquet captain at the end of the reception. They'll distribute it to the team. Make sure it's in a labeled envelope so there's no confusion. Say something like "This is for the staff, please make sure everyone gets a share."

When gratuity is included

You don't need to tip extra if true gratuity is already in your contract. But if a particular server went above and beyond, slipping them $20 directly is a nice gesture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between gratuity and service charge?

Gratuity goes directly to the workers. Service charges belong to the company and might not reach your servers at all. Always ask your caterer for clarification.

Do I tip the catering manager?

The manager typically gets a share of the pooled tips. You can tip them extra if they were exceptional, but it's not required.

Wedding Catering Tipping Guide