Etiquette Experts Say Wedding Guests Need Cash Tips Only at Cash Bars, Not 15%-20% Open Bars
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 24
Etiquette Experts Say Wedding Guests Need Cash Tips Only at Cash Bars, Not 15%-20% Open Bars
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 24
Wedding guests generally should not tip bartenders at open bars because couples are typically advised to prepay a 15% to 20% gratuity to food and beverage vendors.
Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman said a tip jar at an open-bar reception is in poor taste because it pressures guests to pay again for hospitality the hosts have already covered.
Cash bars and some partial open bars shift that obligation back to attendees, she said, making tip jars appropriate when guests are paying for liquor or other drinks themselves.
Experts said couples can avoid confusion by stating bar arrangements clearly on the wedding website so guests know in advance whether to bring cash.
Even when core wedding services include gratuity, guests may still choose a discreet extra tip for peripheral help such as valet service.
Your wedding contract has a 'service charge,' but is that money actually going to the staff?
Beyond cash, what do wedding vendors really want as a thank you after the big day?
Is tipping at a pre-paid open bar a kind gesture or an etiquette faux pas for guests?