Bar / Bat Mitzvah Planning with Doctor Simcha

Could people please share about how to tip the Mitzvah professionals.
Who to tip? How much to give? Do you tip all the professionals or only some of them - dj, mc, dancers, caterer/waiters, vendors? What about the photographer and videographer?
Thank you!

I feel that it's funny how vendors expect tips... I hope it doesn't sound harsh, but think that no one should expect tips. Aren't the costs high enough?

I understand how you feel about tipping, Ariela, but I wouldn't question tipping. It is such a common practice. I would, however, tip only workers (waiters, for example), and wouldn't tip the business owners. Makes sense?

Tips should never be expected by the entertainment, but they are appreciated. If you feel the entertainment did a great job then giving them a tip is always appreciated. We exclusively entertain at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and most clients do give some type of tip to the entertainment if they did a good job, so if the entertainment works hard the thought is crossing their mind about a tip. I can't speak for the other vendors.
Normally people tip the Emcee (person who has the mic) the most b/c he ran the event and had the most responsibility, but that is at your discretion. You can give the MC (emcee) something and tell him to split it amongst his crew, but if you feel only one person in the crew did a good job or went above & beyond than just tip that one person and let the lazy ones learn a lesson. I usually find it's the lazier people that expect a tip instead of thinking to earn it.


Thank You,

Eric Cutler

There's also the question of the Synagogue, right? This is regarded actually as a donation, isn't it so? I feel the donation to the synagogue is important.

It is better to prepare in advance envelopes with the tips for each of the vendors, instead of having to deal with it at the end of the evening, which can be a headache!

Thanks guys!