Do you tip the bartenders at an "open bar" at a wedding?

[krunchykrome]

I'm just curious as to what you guys think. I've been to three open bar weddings and I don't remember ever tipping for a drink and i don't remember seeing others tip. Im going to another wedding in a couple weeks, and i just wanted to double check.

 

[bozack]

open bar or not they are still getting you a drink, yes I tip generally a dollar a drink

 

[Kenazo]

I'd say no. The hosts will already be paying an amount for gratuity. (or at least they do here)

 

[Raincity]

Service is service even if its a on the house drink.

 

[Coquito]

Ten/twenty bucks upfront so he can keep them comming.

 

[fs5]

Originally posted by: Coquito
Ten/twenty bucks upfront so he can keep them comming.

QFT. If you're just drinkin' casually, $1 - $2 per drink like normal.

 

[Zugzwang152]

well are they doing mixed drinks, or are they just pouring beer/wine?

Mixing a drink = tip.
Popping cap off beer = no tip.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: bozack
open bar or not they are still getting you a drink, yes I tip generally a dollar a drink

:thumbsup:

 

[VTHodge]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
well are they doing mixed drinks, or are they just pouring beer/wine?

Mixing a drink = tip.
Popping cap off beer = no tip.

Right on. If your job would be irrelevent if the ice bucket was just three feet closer, why should I pay you a dollar.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: Coquito
Ten/twenty bucks upfront so he can keep them comming.

Especially if it's busy and there are not enough bartenders. That's pretty common for weddings, they have to serve fewer drinks that way. Tip the guy a good amount up front and you'll be taken care of the rest of the day. It's the bad tippers who have to wait.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
well are they doing mixed drinks, or are they just pouring beer/wine?

Mixing a drink = tip.
Popping cap off beer = no tip.

agree.

besides, the liquor/liqueror ratio will be largely effected by the previous tip

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
well are they doing mixed drinks, or are they just pouring beer/wine?

Mixing a drink = tip.
Popping cap off beer = no tip.

I guess I am just different as I don't discriminate in the type of libation and or the amount of work required in the preperation unless it is something truly exotic...I have no problem tipping them a buck regardless of it being a mixed drink or beer...as another poster said generally they are understaffed at these functions and I see it as the least I can do...I have never been to a wedding where people didn't tip the bartenders, open bar or not...the only time they generally dont is when there is only beer and wine brought to or on the table.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: bozack
open bar or not they are still getting you a drink, yes I tip generally a dollar a drink

At least a dollar a drink...

One time I caught the bartender's attention and dropped in a twenty and told them since I didn't have any small bills I was tipping in advance. I got really good service and good stiff drinks that night.

~edit
Ah... I see this is a not so uncommon idea..... I think I'll do this from now on....

 

[KarenMarie]

I tip like $20 either right off the bat, or at the end of the night.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: bozack
open bar or not they are still getting you a drink, yes I tip generally a dollar a drink

At least a dollar a drink...

One time I caught the bartender's attention and dropped in a twenty and told them since I didn't have any small bills I was tipping in advance. I got really good service and good stiff drinks that night.

yea, maybe I'll use this approach. a $20 bill upfront and tell them to "keep em coming, thanks"

 

[VTHodge]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: bozack
open bar or not they are still getting you a drink, yes I tip generally a dollar a drink

At least a dollar a drink...

One time I caught the bartender's attention and dropped in a twenty and told them since I didn't have any small bills I was tipping in advance. I got really good service and good stiff drinks that night.

~edit
Ah... I see this is a not so uncommon idea..... I think I'll do this from now on....

I like the idea that we can still buy attention in our society. It's nice to think about. I would be happy to ignore people who pay me less.

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: Coquito
Ten/twenty bucks upfront so he can keep them comming.

Especially if it's busy and there are not enough bartenders. That's pretty common for weddings, they have to serve fewer drinks that way. Tip the guy a good amount up front and you'll be taken care of the rest of the day. It's the bad tippers who have to wait.

Or just be the designated father of the bride's beer bitch and cut in line all night "I'm paying for this thing, I'm getting my money's worth!"

The hosts are usually paying gratuity already.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: VTHodge

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: bozack
open bar or not they are still getting you a drink, yes I tip generally a dollar a drink

At least a dollar a drink...

One time I caught the bartender's attention and dropped in a twenty and told them since I didn't have any small bills I was tipping in advance. I got really good service and good stiff drinks that night.

~edit
Ah... I see this is a not so uncommon idea..... I think I'll do this from now on....

I like the idea that we can still buy attention in our society. It's nice to think about. I would be happy to ignore people who pay me less.

Agreed.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: bozack
open bar or not they are still getting you a drink, yes I tip generally a dollar a drink

At least a dollar a drink...

One time I caught the bartender's attention and dropped in a twenty and told them since I didn't have any small bills I was tipping in advance. I got really good service and good stiff drinks that night.

~edit
Ah... I see this is a not so uncommon idea..... I think I'll do this from now on....

Depending on how much you drink it could be cheaper as well. I know for me that is the case.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: Kenazo
I'd say no. The hosts will already be paying an amount for gratuity. (or at least they do here)

Cheap prick.. :|

 

[LordMaul]

Depends. One wedding I went to, they had a bowl out for tips if the customers wanted to tip. Others I've been to, there is no place to leave a tip and no one actively tips anyone...higher class weddings, I'd almost say it would be a bit out of place.

 

[Syringer]

If it's an asian wedding then no, whites, yes. Just depends on what

Even in Europe I went to a club with all you can drink for 25 euros, and not one person left a tip..

 

[dug777]

I usually give them my power of attorney as soon as i arrive at the bar, along with my credit cards, unlimited access to my SO's nether regions, and the offer of a backrub if they're feeling stressed.

You guys are the cheapest tippers i've ever heard of

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: LordMaul
Depends. One wedding I went to, they had a bowl out for tips if the customers wanted to tip. Others I've been to, there is no place to leave a tip and no one actively tips anyone...higher class weddings, I'd almost say it would be a bit out of place.

a bit presumptous no? I have been to "high" and low class functions and it all depends on the way in which the drinks are served...if it is a "bar" type setting where you go up and ask the barkeep to make you a drink or what not then generally, bowl or no bowl, tips are accepted and welcomed...if you are talking a wedding where waitors walk around with drinks and what not then yes tipping would seem out of place.

 

[mugs]

Yeah. $1-2 per drink.