The Etiquette of Tipping at Private Events: A Guide to Gratitude in El Dorado County

Hosting an event at Placerville Gathering Place ensures a sophisticated and comfortable setting for your celebration. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate meeting, or intimate gathering, there are many behind-the-scenes professionals that are involved in making your event seamless and memorable. Among the many details to consider, tipping can be a source of great confusion for hosts and guests. Who should you tip? How much is appropriate? When to tip? And what does tipping truly signify?

This guide will help you navigate tipping etiquette to make private event professionals feel appreciated for their exceptional service.

Why Tipping Matters at Private Events

Tipping is more than just a customary financial gesture—it’s a way to show gratitude for excellent service. Whether it’s the catering team ensuring each plate is served flawlessly, the bartender crafting fun cocktails, or the event planner making sure everything runs smoothly, tipping is a meaningful way and standard way to acknowledge hard work.

Who to Tip and How Much?

Understanding the roles of event staff and "appropriate" tipping amounts can make the process less stressful. If there is someone who went above and beyond or did something truly over the top that made your event amazing, feel free to throw these standards out the window and tip with your heart! Here’s a breakdown of standard gratuities for private events in Placerville, CA, and beyond:

1. Catering Staff and Servers

Catering is often one of the most expensive components and can make or break any event. People look forward to this part of the event, and the service staff ensures guests enjoy their meals comfortably. Review your contract before the event to confirm if gratuity is included in the total or on the invoice. If gratuity isn’t included in the catering contract, a typical 15-20% tip on the total catering bill is standard (based on the before-tax amount of the total bill). If tipping individually, consider $50-100 per chef and $25-50 per server based on service quality and type of service. Buffet would be lower side and full plated table service would be on the higher side.

2. Bartenders

Bartenders keep the drinks flowing and vibes high. They often set your event apart from others, but long lines can ruin a guest's experience. Fun bartenders with interactive setups can really make your event fun and a success. Check your contract if gratuity is not included, you should consider tipping 10-15% of the total bill or $1-2 per drink served. If hiring independent bartenders, $50-100 per bartender is customary.

As the client, you can often decide weather you will allow a bartender to accept tips from guests (and put a tip jar on the table). Many event guests like to tip when a bartender does a great job or remembers them, even if they know the host will be tipping.

3. Valets and Coat Check Attendants

For events where valet service or coat check is added, a tip of $1-3 per vehicle or $1-2 per coat is appropriate. If tipping individually, the host may or may not choose to provide a lump sum gratuity at the end of the event on top of the individual tips.

4. Event Planners and Coordinators

The event coordinator is not associated with the venue. The event planner or event coordinator is brought on by the client ensure your vision comes to life. While not always expected, tipping an event planner is a generous way to show appreciation. Consider 10-20% of their fee or a flat bonus of $100-500, especially if they have gone above and beyond to make your event special.

*An event coordinator /planner focuses on the event's planning, execution, and logistics before and during the event. They are hired by the client to help them execute their vision. A Venue Manager is a representative of the venue and they oversee the venue's operations and logistics, ensuring the space is clean and ready and functional for events. They also ensure clients, vendors and the guests follow policies and procedures. Event managers, while not always expected, tipping them is a generous way to show appreciation. Consider a flat bonus of $100-500, especially if they have gone above and beyond to make your event special.

5. DJs, Musicians, and Entertainment Staff

Entertainment professionals help set the mood for your event. While they don’t always expect tips, it’s a nice gesture to offer $50-200 per DJ or musician, especially if they accommodated special requests or stayed longer than scheduled. Reviews go a long way with these service industries if you are not able to tip on the higher side.

6. Florists, Bakers, and Photographers

While these vendors typically charge set fees, tipping is optional but appreciated. If they exceeded expectations, consider a $50-100 tip or a thoughtful gift or reviews go a long way with these service industries if you are not able to tip on the higher side.

Tipping Dos and Don’ts

To ensure a smooth tipping process at your event, keep these guidelines in mind:

✅ Do Plan Ahead: Set aside gratuity in labeled envelopes before the event. This prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures each service provider is appropriately acknowledged. Bring extra money in smaller denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) so you can add to the envelope if you feel like a vendor went above what you originally expected or if they brought additional help.

❌ Don’t Assume Service Charges Cover Tips: Some contracts include a service charge, but this often goes to the business or organization rather than the individual staff members. Clarify this from the contract or vendor beforehand.

✅ Do Consider Local Norms: Tipping expectations can vary by region. In Placerville, CA, standard tipping practices align with national US hospitality norms.

❌ Don’t Forget Verbal Gratitude: A genuine "thank you" goes a long way in addition to monetary appreciation.

The True Value of Tipping

Beyond tradition, tipping is a meaningful way to recognize the dedication and expertise of the professionals who bring your vision to life. When planning your next event, consider tipping not as an obligation or a burden but as a way to express genuine appreciation for people doing a great job. Whether it's through gratuity, a heartfelt thank-you note, or a positive online review, showing gratitude enhances the overall experience for both venue owners, vendors, and service providers.

By embracing tipping etiquette, you ensure that those behind the scenes—bartenders, servers, planners, and entertainers—feel valued. And when people feel appreciated, they bring their best energy and expertise to your event, creating memories that last a lifetime.

At venues like Placerville Gathering Place, the staff is committed to providing an outstanding experience no matter what. Our tipping policy is that tipping is not required for our staff; however, if you feel like a staff member(s) have gone above and beyond, please feel free to tip. All money should be given to the venue manager and they will give it to the individual at the end of their shift or distribute it amongst the staff equally based on the tippers' request. Most vendors are contracted directly by the client so tips for bartenders, caterers, planners, entertainers, etc would need to be separated and given directly to the person in charge of those services.

So, as you prepare for your next private event at Placerville Gathering Place, keep this guide in mind. Thoughtful tipping ensures the talented individuals who make your event special receive the recognition they deserve. Check out our social media!