Tip Jar

Don't do it. Your guests shouldn't have to open up their wallets - ever - at your hosted event.

Bartenders usually accept tips but put them in a container behind the bar, not out in view of the guests.

I was kind of thinking the same idea. A bartender I'm talking to said she usually puts out a jar. I feel awkward about that.

It shouldn't be out. People will tip the bartenders anyway, at least that's what I see..

I always tip the bartender regardless of a jar or not. I don't like seeing the jar though. Plus, as the hosts, you should tip them at the end anyways.

I always tip a bartender no matter what. A jar doesn't bother me when I go to a wedding and drinks are free. I always take a few bucks with me for this reason.

If someone wants to tip they will go out of their way to do it. Do not out out a tip jar nope.

No tip jars out!

I agree with Celia, We didnt have a tip jar out but everyone still tipped. I couldn't imagine taking a drink from a bartender and not tipping. I was a bartender though so idk.

We are not allowed to put a tip jar out. TO me it is very tacky! We can accept tips but we keep them out of site. It is very nice when we do make tips.....if we do we split them with the entire staff that worked that event. We make our money in gratuity that comes in our paychecks. I am very happy when we do make tips at the weddings. I have only seen one tip jar out, (at a wedding we attended), most people will tip no matter what.

Guests so inclined will tip the bartender without a tacky tip jar reminding them to do so.

I'd request no tip jar and assure her that she will receive proper gratuity. If guests would like to tip, they still can. But it shouldn't be staring them in the face, that's awkward

I forgot to request no tip jar and I hardly was able to make it near the bar during the wedding, my MOH was just bringing me my drinks. When I did make it over there there was a tip jar out and it had money in it. I felt mortified because I too believe it is tacky. But it was my fault for not remembering to have someone tell her. I'd simply request no tip jar and tip them generously yourself.

No, this is crazy. You should take care of tipping the bartender afterwards. They are trying to double dip and thats not cool. If individuals want to do it let them but dont put out a jar

That's weird I wouldn't allow it

I would not recommend having a tip jar. If you are providing an open bar, you should also be the ones tipping the bartender. I know there are lots of feelings on cash bars, but IMO guests should never have to pay for anything once at your wedding.

View Quoted Comment I wanted to contribute to this thread even though it’s old. If you paid gratuity to the catering company, the majority of them from what I have seen do not share the gratuity with the service staff or bartenders. It is a problem and companies are being sued for it as a result. Waitresses and bartenders make their money from tips. There is absolutely no double dipping. We don’t see that money. We only see an hourly rate, which barely covers our taxes. That same hourly rate is what’s provided to us at a regular restaurant. So if you want to ensure your bartenders are taken care of, ask them if they get tipped from the catering company if they say no, use your better judgement and pay them accordingly. This would be a great addition to add to ones planning budget.

View Quoted Comment Funny this should come up. I'm paying for catering with servers. I am also paying for the bartender. I paid a 18% gratuity, but the owner just told me it goes to servers, but not the bartender. He mentioned putting out a tip jar. I can't seem to get away from it!

Anyway I bought the alcohol for around $800. The fee I paid for the bartender is $35 an hour for 5 hours so $175. So what should I tip off of?

View Quoted Comment That’s interesting that they are paying the servers. I have been working with a catering company as well and they don’t normally tip the servers either. 🤔 Did you go through a staffing agency to secure the bartender? If so the bartender will probably only see $10 per hour sadly. That also depends on the state you are in though. If that is the case then you will want to tip off your total alcohol bill. What is the bartender contracted to bring? Do they need to bring a bar with them to your wedding?

View Quoted Comment Oooooh!! The catering company brought in the bartender. Yeah that bartender isn’t going to see much of what you paid hourly for them. I would tip from the $800 alcohol bill.

View Quoted Comment No the bartender works for our caterer that owns his own company. I bought/am bringing the alcohol which is 4 wines, 2 beers and 2 signature drinks. I paid about 800 for our alcohol