Venting: Tipping

August 6, 2012

I recently met a client who was expressing her unhappiness over her planner’s decision to add a tip when paying all of the vendors at her event. “The nerve!” she fumed. The client felt that she was already spending a large amount of money for her event and could not understand why she should spend 10% above the cost.

It’s not uncommon for clients to express their appreciation by way of gifts and tips at the end of a successful event. Over the years, I have been the grateful recipient of a number of gifts. One client, the dear Debbie Lustig, is kind enough to remember me every birthday and Christmas holiday, often sending a gift from one of my two favorite designers, Ralph Lauren or Georgio Armani. I am honored to have worked as the designer for both of her daughters.

The main concern this client had was that the planner was demanding this as a part of her contract. While listening, I found myself at a loss for words. I explained that I admired the planners generosity but was also thinking, “wait a minute, gifts should come from the heart and not be mandatory.”

Blessings,

Preston

Question: What is your opinion? As a planner, do you demand or suggest tips for your vendors?

(Photo Courtesy of Leisure Special)

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http://www.pamelaseventdesign.com Pam Archer

I don’t expect tips for our work, but a really heart-felt thank you note or review is very much appreciated. I think it would be acceptable for a planner to suggest tips, but I don’t personally believe that it should be included as mandatory on an invoice.
http://www.myimperialinc.com Sandy Bell

As a wedding planner, I do not require or demand that my client tip my preferred vendors as well as other vendors. I totally agree with you Preston on this matter. If it is not included in the vendors contract the client should not be made to tip. A tip is a kind gesture from the client stating that they appreciate your time and service. Although I like receiving gifts from my clients, the best gift of all that they give me is word of mouth. By that I mean, referring my services to family and friends. For me this is better then a one time tip any day and I think that most vendors would agree!
http://www.weddingsfromtheheart.net Jean Neuhart

I never ask for or require a client to give me, or any of the vendors a tip. If they ask what is customary for tipping, then I am happy to share that information, but I won’t give just it to them, or in any way imply that they should tip.

While tips are nice (and appreciated), a kind and sincere recommendation and referral are so much better.
http://www.simplylavishweddingsandevents.com Simply Lavish Weddings & Events, LLC

As a planner, NO I don’t require gratuity from my clients. In my New Client Kit, I give, one of the items I include is a Wedding Vendor Tipping Cheat Sheet. So should they feel so incline to tip any of the vendors for excellent service, they will have proper guidance. I started providing that b/c I had clients asking who should and shouldn’t get tipped.
As for me personally, the GREATEST gift I could receive, is a referral and a written client testimonial. It is the gift that keeps on giving and it’s PRICELESS!
http://www.eventuresinc.net julia Hewitt

I always suggest to my clients to tip the vendors- especially the poor guy at the venue that gets all the chairs out and vacuums and puts the tables into place. But it is up to my client as to whether they want to tip. Is is an option. Some even ask for tip suggestions and get so overwhelmed they completely forget to bring the money. But tipping is optional not mandatory.
http://www.fclweddings-events.com FCL Weddings & Events

Under no circumstance would tips be demanded for our services. For FCL Weddings & Events, tips are graciously given at the discretion of our clients.
http://www.facebook.com/enflotra KatherineTheGreat

I would never demand ‘force tips.” You are soo right, tips (gifts) should come from the heart.
http://www.madibaevents.com Adenike

No, I do not suggest nor demand tips for my vendors. I believe I ought to work in the best interest of my clients and find means of giving them quality at a good price, why should I burden them with tips for the vendors?
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http://www.dreamweddingsrivieramaya.com/ Joyce

In the Riviera Maya,we never demand tipping from our clients unless the contract states otherwise, A thank you note or a review is more than in enough!!
http://www.sorrentoweddings.com.au www.sorrentoweddings.com.au

We love our clients showing appreciation with a thankyou or passing on our name to a friend.. An upfront tip prior to a wedding seems a bit premature..