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Expert November 2013

Service charges and gratuity

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Mrs. J, on October 16, 2013 at 2:14 PM

Hi gals! So, our venue ( destination, Key West) is charging a 22% service charge for all food, beverages, etc. My question is, what is this 22% for? And is it considered gratuity or do we need to tip on top of the 22%? Help!~

Help!~

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24 Comments

Master July 2012
Jessica · on October 16, 2013 at 5:20 PM
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Most contracts I've seen, and heard about on wedding forum boards, Service Charge did not equal gratuity.
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Expert November 2013
Mrs. J · on October 16, 2013 at 5:32 PM
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It is gratuity for the staff!!! I asked and just got the word. Oh happy day! I dont have sell my kidney!!!!
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Master May 2014
LB · on October 16, 2013 at 5:57 PM
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We interviewed a restaurant that had a 25% service fee and we thought it was the tip. When we got the contract, they were very clear that it was NOT the tip, but it said they paid the staff more for events and the gratuity was optional.

I felt extremely uncomfortable with that. Optional? I don't think so. Besides that, what does "more" mean? I don't want to stiff the servers. So we went with a venue that had a gratuity included (18%) and we'll probably tip a bit more if the service is great.

Don't support a venue that charges a service fee and keeps it for themselves.

ETA: Happy you found out that it DOES include the tip! Always good to ask!
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Just Said Yes May 2022
Alexandra Cataldi · on April 25, 2022 at 8:09 PM
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It is NOT! It’s supposed to cover their salary, but I’m kinda pissed the venue did not explain this better. Salary should be on my venue because bar and food is already up charged. I didn’t hire the other ppl……..
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