How Much Should I Tip Party Staff Workers

If you're wondering, do you tip party service people? And, when the question that looms large is how much should I tip party staff workers; most party hosts are left scratching their heads, wondering about this.
You don't have to be confused and trying to figure out all of these details on your own. Here's where you'll find the information that you need to make sure you tip the party staff team who will serve you and your guests fairly.
Cater-Hater answers to tipping questions above: Yes, you tip party service people. Especially excellent party service people. And, to find out the answer to "how much", read on...
Should you tip cash or give a gift card? What percentage should I tip, 15%, 20%, or more? And what dollar amount is appropriate to tip?

Party Service Tipping Throughout the Year (Annual)

When the catering company or party planner you've hired doesn't add a gratuity and the bill total amount is over $500.00, it's safe to tip 20% of the total amount of the bill; to be divided evenly among the staff of workers. When the total bill amount is less than $500.00, tip 15% of their wage per hour times the number of hours the party service worker has worked.
There was once a time when it was considered taboo to tip the party business owner (catering company owner or event planning company owner). This is no longer true.
You can tip the business owner - who will often give your tip to their staff who are working with them, splitting your tip among all of them, instead of keeping the tip for themselves.

Party Service Worker Tipping Structure

Catering Truck Drivers & Driver Assistants - 15%
Table Bussers & Barbacks (Bartenders Assistants) - 15%
Kitchen Assistants & Chef Assistants - 15%
Party & Event Supervisor Assistants - 15%
Party & Event Manager Assistants- 15%
Bartenders & Food Servers - 20%
Cooks - 20%
Chefs - 25%
Party & Event Supervisors - 20%
Party & Event Managers - 25%

Holiday Season Tipping (Seasonal)

When tipping party service staff members during the holiday season (especially party service staff members who have previously worked for you),  it is not uncommon to increase their tip up to 50% of their daily wage or to give a gift.
For a high net-worth client, that could also mean giving what's mentioned above along with items such as tickets to the hottest show, concert, or sporting event in town and/or $200.00 gift cards from exclusive department stores like Henri Bendel and Neiman Marcus.
Others give gifts such as a wool, cashmere, or silk scarf or a nice leather wallet with $10.00 or $20.00 tucked inside.

What You Should Know - Tipping Party Service People Etiquette

As a party catering company client or event planner corporate event client, what's the main thing you should know or ask yourself about how much you should tip party staff workers? To be respectful of their time and service, and don't be cheap.
Don't lose sight of the fact that no one is doing anyone any favors here. The people you plan to hire are willing to do exactly what you don't want to do yourself because you're willing to pay them. Which means this arrangement is destined to be a "win-win" situation. You get the professional help that you need without getting your hands dirty. They make money for providing the service.
Don't be a jerk about it. When you can't afford to tip, be honest and say so. Because when you do your best to avoid tipping party service workers who have worked hard and done a good job, when you try to book them again for another party in the future, good luck. When your "money is funny" or you've overspent and you're just downright broke, be gracious and kind about it. Explain your situation to the event supervisor or manager - telling them you had nothing left after paying the bill that included an added gratuity, they'll understand. Unnecessary misunderstandings and problems can usually be avoided when people stop and take the time to communicate.
Things always work out fine for everyone involved when people remember to treat others the way they'd like to be treated.
When the party is over and the service provided was outstanding and both parties were happy with how everything went, it's not uncommon to ask to pre-book and add your tentative date to their calendar for your special occasion next year (to have the same workers return). That happens; and you probably don't have to ask, "How much should I tip party staff workers who will work my party?" You'll know. Just do what you did last year. Everyone came back and worked again, which means that everyone was happy. Score!
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I do this... I write to help to create to opportunities for all of you to pursue your passion to have parties without regard to economic constraints.
I think if we keep talking about the cost of parties (I blog, you write comments), together, maybe we can break down some of the party industry price barriers and shame some of the people who've taken your money and delivered a poor quality product right into growing a conscious and treating you right (nice thought, isn't it?).
Opportunities to be inspired about parties are everywhere. Yet, people looking out for your wallet are few and far between. My goal is to inspire you, causing you to question the way things are that have been the status quo for too long. When we stand together and speak up, we can be a powerful force.
Let's keep the conversation of change going. Because in the sea of everyone talking, one voice is a whisper... several voices are a scream.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions below. Remember to be as specific as possible because what you have to say helps us all.
Always... be encouraged and encourage others too,

“Full circle the pain I cause, comes the lessons I value to replace my flaws” - Jacob Halfpop
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