Wedding Tips from www.universalweddingcards.com Jaipur India.
When you're already dipping deep into your (or your parents') savings for so many wedding expenses, shelling out gratuities on top of that can be hard to handle. Well, rest easy: unless a service charge is spelled out in your contract, you're never obligated to tip anyone.
However you can't ignore the fact that some vendors will expect a gratuity, which forces tipping to be considered on a case-by-case scenario. Some general rules: Don't tip business owners, only tip their employees (however, you can/should tip an owner when the service exceeds expectations); tip vendors who offer exceptional service; thank-you notes are always appreciated; and assign the responsibility to a trusted deputy such as your wedding planner, a parent, or the best man. For a breakdown of what's customary for each vendor, read on.
Wedding Planner
Wedding planners won't likely expect anything; however, if yours did a great job you can always offer a token of your appreciation. (Note: Non-monetary thank-yous like professional photos of the wedding for the planner's portfolio can go a long way too.) Approximately 50 percent of couples do tip their planners -- typically those with more opulent weddings.
When to Tip: The bride should hand off the envelope at the end of the reception, or, she should send a thank-you note with photos or a check after the honeymoon.
Wedding Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist
This is one area where a gratuity is definitely expected. Tip between 15 - 20 percent just as you would in a hair salon, and consider giving a little extra if there's a crisis, like one of your bridesmaids has a meltdown over her updo and it requires a redo at the last minute.
When to Tip: At the end of your service
Wedding Delivery and Set-up Staff
Slip a few dollars to anyone delivering important items to the site (wedding cake, flowers, or sound system). And if a lot of gear needs to be brought in and set up (tents, chairs, or port-a-potties), the workers deserve a tip too.
Wedding Ceremony Officiant
If your officiant is affiliated with a church or synagogue, you're often expected to make a donation to that institution. If you're a member you'll probably want to give a larger amount than if you're not. However, if you're getting married there and they're charging you to use the space, feel free to give a smaller amount. If you're using a nondenominational officiant, no tip is required because they will charge you for their time.
When to Tip: Most ceremony fees are required prior to the wedding. Otherwise, have the best man pass the cash envelope at the rehearsal dinner if the officiant is in attendance.
Wedding Ceremony Musicians
If you worked with a mini orchestra to come up with the perfect score for your service (and they pulled it off flawlessly), consider showing some monetary thanks for their talent. However, you probably don't have to tip the solo church organist who was required to play.
When to Tip: At the end of the ceremony.
Wedding Photographer/Videographer
You're not expected to give your shutterbugs any dough beyond their normal fees. Yet if the wedding photographer or videographer doesn't own the studio, consider tipping each person (or give a certain amount with a thank-you note to disperse to staff).
When to Tip: At the end of the reception.
Wedding Reception Staff
This type of staff includes the on-site coordinator, maitre d', and banquet manager. A service charge (typically 2 percent) is almost always built in to the food and drink fee, so check your contract. If the gratuity is not included, tip as follows.
When to Tip: If it's covered in the contract, the final bill is typically due before the reception. Otherwise, have the father of the bride or best man hand the envelope to the maitre d' at the end of the reception since you will need to know the final tab to calculate the percentage.
Wedding Reception Attendants
When it comes to bartenders, waitstaff, parking, bathroom, and coat-room attendants the rules of tipping are dictated by your contract. If the service fee is included, consider doling out extra only if the service was exceptional. If it's not included, ask ahead of time how many attendants will be working your wedding and calculate on a per person basis.
When to Tip: Although tips are traditionally passed out at the end of the event, you could alternately distribute them at the beginning of the evening, to encourage all the workers to give you great service.
Wedding Reception Band or DJ
Whether you hire 12-piece swing band or grooving to a DJ, tipping musicians is completely optional. (Depending on the quality of the job and how willing they were to follow your ideal playlist!) And don't forget about any sound technicians they bring with them.
When to Tip: At the end of the reception, by the best man.
Wedding Transportation
Again, check your contract, as gratuity is usually included. If it isn't, plan to tip provided they show up on time and don't get lost!
Protocol: Expected
The $tandard: 15 - 20 percent of the total bill
When to Tip: At the end of the night or after the last ride. If you used a separate company for the guest buses, designate a bus captain to hand the driver a tip, otherwise, this duty falls to the best man.
Wedding cards go modern and stylish
With the ongoing wedding season, jaipur people are leaving no stone unturned to make their wedding cards look special. From traditional fabric scrolls to those with royal gold and silver foil works to the latest hi-tech cards with laser engraved and 3D designs, the wedding cards this year have certainly got a stylish makeover.
While traditional wedding cards are still in vogue, young couples are trying their hands at experimenting with the new designs that are fun, quirky and eye catching. Keeping this in mind shimmery metallic, suede and velvet paper has given way to various other materials. "Wedding cards are made of paper, handmade paper, metallic, craft, velvet, satin etc within the price range of `2 to whatever is the amount you desire. People these days prefer quality over quantity and everyone wants a unique design.
The traditional wedding invitation cards include warli designs, Ganpati inscriptions and many other religious patterns and are opted for by people looking for a simple card. For the ones looking for a royal look, invitation cards called lakhotas are the one. Designed like the scrolls used in ancient times, these cards look elegant but are heavy on the pocket.
People who want their invitees to remember their big day for a long time to come are gifting them framed wedding cards that come with an invitation card and framed picture of a deity. These frames cum cards can be used over a long period of time.
One of the traditional favourites, coloured velvet cards, can be picked out in various hues and can have names written out with wooden inscriptions for the vintage effect.
"People have different choices and while some like to splurge, others prefer keeping it simple. In recent times, we have had a lot of young couples coming forward to give us ideas about designs they want. It is great to deal with such customers who want personalised cards as not only do they showcase their creativity but also enhance our knowledge. It is a win-win situation for both the parties.
"Cards are not just about inviting people but also about connecting them with the guests. I designed my wedding card and will surprise my fiance and my near and dear ones with it."
Wedding card designers said, "People demand never seen before fashionable designs. Laser engraved designs and designer fabric scrolls are the latest designs loved by all the customers. The traditional Ganesha engraved cards have been replaced by Madhubani style paintings." Pinks, greys and peaches with hints of gold, silver, florals, royal motifs of elephants and peacocks are the dominant themes this year.
It is not just the wedding cards but their packing that has changed too. Instead of envelopes, cards are being sent in carved wooden boxes with sugar-free sweets and even imported chocolates. "Cards with glasswork, 3D cards, laser cutting, stone work and hand crafted cards cost a bit higher, but are slowly catching up since they are eye catching and something special to boast off. We also have special gift boxes and bags which can be filled with dry fruits or chocolates," said Rajesh Kumbhat, a wedding card outlet owner.
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