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| Expert advice from leading San Francisco wedding and event designer, Taylor Nguyen |
 | We've got a guest list of about 200 people and we're starting to look for a reception site. How do we know how much space we're going to need to seat everyone comfortably? | | |  |  | Each wedding venue that you visit will let you know what is the maximum capacity that they can hold. Always let the venue manager know the maximum number of guests you expect, so they can give you realistic options for floorplans. These maximum capacity rules are set in stone and are due to fire permits etc. Please do not think the rules can bend..as venues are quite firm with their capacity. Also, you want your guests to not feel too squished. My advice is to always look for a venue that can allocate 25 more than your max. For example, if you think you're having 200 people, look for a venue that can allocate at least 225 people. | |
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MOST RECENT Q & A
| Q: | Who and what do we tip? Our catering bill shows that gratuity is already added into the bill. As for everyone else, what is expected? | | A: | Let's start with a little clarification. There is a difference between tip and gratuity. A gratuity is added automatically into the food/beverage price and can range from 15-20 percent. A tip, on the other hand, is a voluntary gift given for excellent service. Here's a suggested list of vendors to tip. Of course, if a vendor not listed here goes above and beyond to make your day spectacular...by all means, show your appreciation.
BEFORE THE WEDDING
-Makeup & Hair: 15% of total bill |
-Rental delivery: $5-$20 per person |
-Chauffer: 15-20%
THE WEDDING
-Civil ceremony officiant: $50 to 75 |
-Clergy: $100 to $150 this if considered a donation, not tip |
-Ceremony Musician: $30 to $50 for those included in rental. $15 to $25 per hired musician |
THE RECEPTION
-Valet: $2 to $4 per car |
-Coat Check Attendant: $1 per coat |
-DJ/reception musicians: $15 to $30 per musician or 20% of booking fee |
-Wait staff: $20 per person, in addition to gratuity built-in |
-Bartender: $25 per person or 10% of total bar tab |
-Reception Site Manager/Maitre d': $50 or more per manager or 15 to 20% of final bill |
| | Q: | We're having a very casual wedding at the beach. Do I have to spend the money on programs? | | A: | Everything about wedding planning is about priorities. I strongly advise that you follow your individual taste and your budget. Do you like receiving programs when you attend an event? Does it make you feel more welcomed? Or do you generally toss them aside and feel they are wasteful? Only you know that preference. In terms of etiquette, there is no set rule that programs are required. The good news is that there are plenty of resources on this website to look through and find creative program ideas. To program or not, that is the question! | | Q: | Can I wear black to a wedding? Is that a faux pas? | | A: | It | | Q: | Is it okay to wear white to a wedding? | | A: | C |
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