Do You Tip a Catering Service?

When it comes to planning an event, hiring a catering service is almost a must. Only then can you be relieved that your guests leave your party with full stomachs and satisfied smiles. But as you finalize the details of your big day, this question may pop up in your head: Do you tip a catering service? 

No doubt, tipping can be a bit of a gray area when it comes to catering. Read on to understand the ins and outs of how much to tip for catering delivery, catering staff, and whether you need to consider a tip for caterers for weddings.

Catering Tips: Why and When?

Before getting into more specifics of how much to tip, you must understand the context. Tipping in the catering industry is not always a straightforward expectation, but it is generally appreciated for a job well done. That being said, let us walk you through what you need to know:

How Much to Tip for Catering Delivery

If your catering service includes delivery, it is customary to tip the driver. The amount you choose to tip can vary based on several factors, including the distance traveled, the size of the order, and the overall level of service. But to give you a general understanding:

• For a standard catering delivery, a good rule of thumb is to tip around 10-15% of the total delivery fee, or at least $10-$20 for smaller orders.
• If the delivery is particularly troublesome (e.g., involves going through a particularly difficult location or handling heavy items), you might simply show your gratitude by leaning toward the higher end of that range.

Tip for Catering Delivery: When Is It Included?

It does sometimes happen that catering services include a delivery fee in their invoice. Having this in mind, we advise you to always check if this fee already covers a tip or if it is simply a charge for the delivery itself. If the delivery fee is a flat rate, tipping additionally might still be appreciated. So if you find the service exceptional, go ahead and leave the tip.

Do You Tip Caterers for Weddings?

Weddings often involve more advanced catering services mostly because those include an extra setup, serving, and cleanup. In such cases, it is customary to tip catering staff as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

• For regular wedding catering, a typical tip ranges from 15-20% of the total catering bill. This amount can be divided among the staff, or given directly to the head caterer to distribute.
• For high-end or luxury weddings, where the level of service is exceptionally high, you might consider tipping more to reflect the premium service provided.

How Much Do You Tip for Catering Services Beyond Delivery?

When it comes to tipping catering staff who are actively working at your event (e.g., servers, chefs), there is no one simple answer, unfortunately. However, to give you a general understanding, see the below:

Per Hour Basis

For catering staff who are on-site for a significant amount of time, consider tipping around $20-$50 per staff member. Of course, it depends on their level of involvement and how much time they actually spend at your event.

Overall Tip

If you are paying a lump sum for a large event, a tip of 15-20% of the total catering bill is a good starting point.

How Much to Tip Catering Staff for Smaller Events

For smaller, less formal events, you may still want to show your deep appreciation for the efforts of the catering staff, though the tip might be lower compared to larger events.

For a small event with minimal staff involvement, a tip of $10-$20 per staff member is often sufficient. Alternatively, you could tip 10-15% of the total catering bill – this is often the case when the host finds the service truly superb.

4 Tips That Make Your Tipping for Catering Less Awkward

TIP #1: Ask Ahead

When you are planning with your catering team, it is advisable to check if they have any tipping guidelines. Sometimes, they might include a gratuity charge in their bill, which is pretty common when organizing bigger events. A quick chat about this upfront can help you avoid any confusion and awkward situations later on.

TIP #2: Prepare in Advance 

Having the tip ready in cash or a check before the big day can save you from last-minute scrambling.

TIP #3: Don’t Be a Cheapskate If the Service Exceeds Your Expectations 

If the catering team goes the extra mile – whether it be dealing with unexpected issues or just making your event extra special – it is a lovely touch to reward their hard work with a generous tip.

TIP #4: Review Your Contract 

Take a peek at your catering contract to see if there are any details about tipping or service charges. Some contracts include a built-in gratuity, which might affect how much extra you need to tip.