I have worked as a server in a Greek restaurant, as well as a caterer
for the same restaurant. Out of both of these jobs, catering is by far
the most difficult and underappreciated job, and people have the
audacity to not tip (even though we have tip jars at the bars). Now I
know what you are probably thinking, “Why should I tip at a
wedding?” Let me explain by describing my most memorable catering
gig: it was a late July outdoor wedding reception in the south (103
degrees that day. The bride and groom were nuts). There were 175
guests, 4 servers, 1 bartender, and 1 food prep. The setup team (AKA
us servers) arrived three hours early (eleven AM) to set up all of the
guest tables and buffet stations, decorate the entire venue (our
company does everything from the food to the flowers) and start
setting up the food. Then the reception started and while the guests
were able to dip into the pool to stay cool, we had to keep walking
around serving food and clearing plates in our all black uniforms. The
guests were particularly nasty because of the heat (and seriously who
can blame them?) and kept us on our toes constantly refilling glasses
(again, can’t actually blame them). The reception lasted 4 hours
(until 6) and it started to cool down a tiny bit, so it was about 99
or 100. After the last guest left around 8 we were able to start
cleaning up, and we were packed up by ten, then had to drive an hour
back to the restaurant to wash all of the dishes and put away the
equipment. A kind soul left a 20$ tip which was divided between the
six of us, and all in all for that 14 hour day I made 104$. Which is
what I would have made working four hours at the restaurant. Go
figure. So to all my fellow servers out there: the next time you go to
a wedding, be a pal and slip the servers a couple bucks.
- Lannie
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to book your wedding photographer long in advance. We are already receiving bookings for two years ahead!
So, book your professional wedding photographer as soon as you’ve booked the wedding venue!
Sorry for your bad experience, but maybe you should not work for a catering outfit that doesn’t build your gratuity into the price of the event. I work for independent caterers often and have never felt underpaid in any way.
I’ve been in the biz for 20 yrs and I tip VERY well when tipping is appropriate. However, I have always viewed a tip jar sitting on a portable bar at a wedding as tacky. If you are working that hard and not already being well compensated, maybe you should ask to stay behind at the restaurant next time. I’m just sayin’…