CJ’s Off the Square Gratuity Guide
A Practical Guide to Wedding Day Gratuities
Planning a wedding or special event comes with a lot of decisions—and sometimes even more questions. One we hear often is: “How much should we tip our wedding vendors?“ If you’ve been Googling or scrolling social media for answers, you’re not alone. And if you’re unsure how tipping works with an all-inclusive venue like CJ’s Off the Square, we’re here to help.
While gratuities are never required, they are always appreciated—especially when service exceeds your expectations. This guide breaks down modern tipping etiquette and offers suggested gratuity ranges based on the services that are part of your event package. We’ve also included a helpful guide for other service providers you may want to consider.
Why Tipping Feels Tricky Right Now
You’re not imagining it: tipping culture is changing. Between economic shifts and “tip fatigue” from everyday service industries, many couples are confused about what’s appropriate. Our goal is to remove the guesswork and offer thoughtful guidance that aligns with both industry norms and the exceptional experience you’re about to enjoy.
In addition to wait staff, our culinary team works behind the scenes to create an exceptional meal for your event.
How Gratuity Works at CJ’s Off the Square
With our all-inclusive pricing model, the per-person rate includes catering, bar, cake, tables, chairs, linens, place settings and decor. While our planning process is designed to feel simple and seamless for you, it takes a dedicated team of professionals—often dozens of individuals—working together to bring your vision to life. Gratuity is not included in that fee and it’s a meaningful way to thank the team members who make your day run smoothly.
Our bartenders prep and serve drinks throughout your event and assist with packing up any remaining alcohol at the end of the night. We do not use a tip jar at the bar. Gratuity can be arranged in advance or distributed discreetly through your planner.
For the team at CJ’s Off the Square, we recommend considering a gratuity in the range of 10–15% of the per-person rate, distributed among the following roles: Total Suggested Range: $13–20 per guest
| Service | What They Do | Suggested Tip |
| Catering & Wait Staff | Prepare and serve meals, clear plates, assist with clean-up | $10-$15 per guest |
| Bar Staff | Prepare and serve alcoholic beverages | $3–5 per guest |
| DJ | Plays music, emcees key moments, manages sound | $100-150* |
| Event Production | Day-of logistics, setting tables, chairs and place settings, behind the scenes set up | $100–300* |
| Planning Team | Overall planning, design guidance, vendor coordination | $100–500* |
* Optional
Need a little help? Copy our Gratuity Calculator to quickly view our recommended gratuity amounts based on your guest list.
Go behind the scenes with CJ at a recent event to see our production team setting up:
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Additional Vendor Tipping Guidelines
While CJ’s Off the Square manages your core event services, we know you may be working with additional vendors outside of our package. Below are typical tipping guidelines to consider:
| Vendor | Suggested Gratuity | Notes |
| Hair & Makeup Artists | 15–25% of the service total | Just like at a salon—usually tipped after services |
| Photographer / Videographer | $50–200 per person or a small gift | Optional but appreciated, especially for freelancers |
| Officiant | $100–300 donation or personal gift | If affiliated with a house of worship |
| Ceremony Musicians | $20–50 per musician | Adjust based on performance length |
| Transportation Driver | 10–20% of total cost | May be included in contract—check ahead |
| Photo Booth Attendant | $25–50 | For great energy and guest service |
These aren’t requirements—just modern etiquette guidelines to help you feel confident in expressing your appreciation.
Our planning and production team manages every detail behind the scenes—overseeing vendor load-in and load-out, setting tables and chairs, assisting guests, and keeping the day running smoothly from start to finish. Their goal is to ensure your event feels seamless, so you can stay present and enjoy every moment.
How We Ensure Your Gratitude Reaches the Right People
Whether you choose to tip via your final invoice or bring your own envelopes, your planner will ensure that gratuities are distributed to the correct team members discreetly and with care.
To keep things simple, we recommend labeling your envelopes by role (e.g., “Catering & Wait Staff,” “Bar Staff,” “DJ”) and your planner will make sure they’re delivered to the right team members.
Estimate your gratuity totals in seconds. Just enter your guest count into our easy-to-use Gratuity Calculator.
Gratuity for ceremony musicians or your DJ is optional but appreciated—especially if they learned a custom song, made on-the-fly adjustments, or added a personal touch that elevated your celebration.
Tipping FAQs
Q: Is gratuity included in our event package?
A: No, your package rate covers services, not tips.
Q: Is gratuity required?
A: No. But it’s always appreciated when our team meets or exceeds your expectations.
Q: When should we prepare gratuities?
A: About 1–2 weeks before the wedding. You can bring them when you drop off your personal items the day before your event, and we will store them securely until distribution at the end of the evening. Or, you may bring them with you the day of. If you prefer to hand them out personally, your planner can introduce you to the appropriate manager to ensure your gift is received directly.
Q: Can you help me distribute gratuity on the day of my event?
A: Yes! If it’s easier, we can add a gratuity in any amount of your choice to your final invoice, which is due 14 days before your event. This is a great option if you’d rather not manage cash envelopes. Alternatively, we’re happy to distribute sealed, labeled envelopes that you provide—just let your planner know which option you prefer.
Q: Can we tip by credit card or Venmo?
A: CJ’s Off the Square does not currently accept Venmo. If you would like to add gratuity in advance to your event invoice, you can use a check, ACH, or a credit card. If you plan to bring tips to your event, cash is appreciated.
Want a simple way to plan your tips? Our Gratuity Calculator does the math for you based on your guest list.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still unsure what’s right for you, let’s talk. We’re here to offer expert advice so you can feel confident and generous—without stress or second-guessing. We know you care deeply about your guest experience, and tipping is a thoughtful way to share that gratitude with the people working behind the scenes.
Have questions? Reach out to your planner anytime. We’re here to help.
(615) 216-7576
