Do i tip the Maitre d’ even though Im contracted to tip the servers?

Question by Space Cowboy: Do i tip the Maitre d’ even though Im contracted to tip the servers?
my wedding reception manager tried to include the Maitre d’ tip in the contract, though there is already a “service charge” (server tips). i told the mngr im not obligated by contract for the Maitre d’, and told to take it out. He did so, but added that its the norm that Maitre d’ gets a tip, “so that things go smoothly, and the servers are doing their job, but also he is ur personal servant…” i gave him the look of BLAHHH… since i know there will be one Maitre d’ for 3 weddings the night.

The suggested tip for the Maitre d’ was said for $ 1500, just as much for the servers.. I can understand maybe $ 150 tip but i not falling for the ‘ol rookie trick. What is the norm in these situations?? i live in North Jersey, and not a big splashy wedding either

Best answer:

Answer by U B Happy
What they are asking for is not a tip. It is a bribe. A tip is after the fact for good service rendered. A service charge is appropriate, for anyone you contract, but not a tip in advance. And, if they actually said or implied to you that the tip for the Maitre d’ was to ensure that things went smoothly, rather than to reward him after the fact that things went smoothly, I’d be doubly upset.
I owned and operated a wedding chapel/catering/photography business more than 20 years ago, this sounds “pretty splashy” for not being splashy! Congrats in advance and I hope it all works well for you. Personally, though, if you don’t have enough to buy a house, I’d cut WAY back on the wedding expenses…. oh, say hi to the Sopranos for me.

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