Advice regarding bartenders & tipping!

I would just double check that the gratuity is distributed to the bartenders as well and if so then I think that is good enough!

That was exactly how our wedding was. The venue manager asked us if we wanted a tip jar or not: we said not. It was put out anyway. Our venue also said that if the tip jar was out then the gratuity we paid wouldn't go to the bartenders (as their tips would come from the guests). But, I'm not sure that that's how every venue works.

That of 18% is covered by you. The bartenders will ger tipped by your guests. You've covered all aspects and yourself.

If your allowance by any kind of tip jar on the bar it should go to the bartenders. I have no issue with the honeyfund jars on the gift table, or for the kissing game, etc but it should not be in place of the bartenders tip jar.

I would check to make sure that the 18% is also shared with the bartenders and if it is I think your fine to not tip on top of that unless you feel like it. And some venues are particularle about having tip jars so check for that as well.

But as someone who has worked in the service industry I would be offended as the bartender if the couple put their own tip jar out at the bar when I am the one working all night. Your risking very poor service from your bartenders all night.

Guests can still choose to tip when they get drinks. when I go to a wedding. even though I know the couples have paid a tip. I always make sure to have a 10 or 20 to throw in a jar. especially if that bartender is hustling.

The gratuity is supposed to be a guaranteed tip for the bartenders. You could tip extra if you feel like it, but it's not necessary. Many people don't want tip jars out at their wedding, or they do a honeyfund jar, so that's what the gratuity helps make up for.

Make sure it's 100% clear if there is a tip jar allowed or not: that means you can check with your bartending service and request they do not have a tip jar out of their own, and if you are doing a HoneyFund jar (which is totally okay btw), make sure it is CLEARLY LABELLED. My cousin's had one, and it was on the opposite side of the bar to the bartenders tip jar, and people had to awkwardly ask for their $20 tips back because it was meant to go in the HoneyFund.

The 18% gratuity is the tip but I would speak with your caterer to make sure what that covers if you are worried.

Yeah I wouldn't pay more tip. The gratuity is the tip so they won't be expecting more. You could still do the honeymoon fund jar on a side table with the cards/ gifts. I don't think it would be tacky. They don't have to put money in if they don't want to but people tend to be more generous when it comes to weddings!

If you’re already paying 18% gratuity that is just a fancy word for a tip