Recommendations
      Back to home
      1. Help Center
      2. The Van Dusen Mansion
      3. Recommendations

      The Van Dusen Mansion Tipping Guide

      An incredible team of people work together to make your special day run smoothly. Tipping is never required but always appreciated. To better understand who is involved in our operations, please reference this guide.

      V E N U E    S T A F F 

      Most Commonly Seen Gratuity:

      Venue Coordinator | Staff Members: 1

      - Recommendation: $50-$200, your coordinator is happy to divide up any tips to the Venue Assistants and Night Lead if you prefer one sum to all venue staff.

      Venue Assistants | Staff Members: 1-2 

      - Recommendation: $15 - $50 per attendant

      Night Coordinator | Staff Members: 1

      - Recommendation: $50-200

       

      C A T E R I N G    S T A F F 

      Catering Captain | Staff Members: 1

      - Recommendation: $50-$150, your captain is happy to divide up any tips to the serving staff if you prefer one sum to all venue staff

      Servers | Staff Members: 50-100 guests = 2-3, 100-200 guests = 3-6, 200-300 guests =6-10, 300+ guests = 10+

      - Recommendation: $10-$20 per person

      Bartenders | Staff Members: 2-3

      - Recommendation: You have the option for tip jars to be out for bartenders or a good rule of thumb is up to 15% of the pre-tax bar bill

      Chefs | Staff Members: 3-4

      - Recommendation: $10-$20 per person

       

      O U T S I D E    V E N D O R S 

      DJ / Band / Ceremony Musician 

      Recommendation: $15–$30 per musician; $50–$200 for DJ’s

      Photographer / Videographer

      Recommendation: $50–$200 per vendor

      Florist

      Recommendation: $50 to $100, or a small gift

      Officiant

      Recommendation: Donate $100–$500 to the church or synagogue, and for the officiant, a tip of $50-$100

      Hair / Makeup

      Recommendation: 15-25%, depending on the quality of service

      Transportation

      Recommendation: 15-20% of the total bill

      Decor / Rentals

      Recommendation: $5–$20 per person, depending on the complexity of the setup.

      Planner

      Recommendation: 10–20 percent, up to $500, or a nice gift

       

      As most of the staff at our events are part-time, we recommend having tips ready the day of your event to ensure they make it to the appropriate parties in a timely manner (cash in labeled envelopes is best!)