Tipping Fatigue: Why (& How) We’re 100% Gratuity Optional
We’ve All Been There
You know the feeling: you order a drink, the card reader spins, and before you’ve even taken a sip, you’re asked if you’d like to tip 25%.
It’s awkward, it’s everywhere, and it’s exhausting.
Tipping fatigue has officially arrived, and it’s even made its way into the event industry. Clients are now seeing automatic service charges, gratuity percentages baked into contracts, or confusing “administrative fees” that sound like tips but aren’t.
At Parish Events, we decided early on that we wanted no part of that. Our hospitality philosophy is built on honesty, respect, and transparency - for both our clients and our team. That’s why we’re proudly, intentionally, and completely gratuity optional.
The Problem With Automatic Gratuities
Across the catering and event world, automatic gratuities or “service fees” have become standard practice. They’re often listed at 20–30%, sometimes split among staff, sometimes not, and occasionally re-labeled to make them seem less like tips.
Now, to be clear, we understand the place gratuities hold in restaurants. When you’re serving dozens of tables a night, large parties can require extra coordination and service that justify an automatic gratuity. That model makes sense for that environment.
Events, however, are a different story. We have more control over our pricing, staffing, and margins from the start, which means there’s no need to rely on an automatic tip structure to make things work. The real issue isn’t gratuity itself: it’s clarity.
Clients deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for. Too often, a proposal looks straightforward until the final contract arrives with added “service fees” or automatic gratuities that were never discussed. Seeing new charges appear right as you’re ready to sign the dotted line breaks trust and adds unnecessary stress to what should be an exciting step in the process.
A gratuity should be a genuine gesture of appreciation, not a required surcharge.
Our Approach: Transparency Over Tradition
We built Parish Events on a different philosophy, one that values fairness and authenticity over convention.
Here’s what that means in practice:
No hidden fees. The price you see on your proposal is the price you pay.
No automatic tips. Gratuity is always optional, never expected.
Fair pay for our team. Our staff is compensated appropriately, without relying on unpredictable tips.
True gratitude, not guilt. When clients do choose to tip, it’s because the experience genuinely earned it - and that means something to us.
We believe transparent pricing creates stronger relationships and better events. You should never have to question where your money is going or whether the team behind your event is being treated fairly.
How It Works for You
When gratuity is optional, you stay in control of your budget and expectations. There are no awkward calculations at the end of the night and no surprise charges after the fact.
Our clients often tell us that this model brings a sense of ease and confidence to the planning process. They know their quote is complete, their event team is valued, and their experience won’t come with hidden costs.
That peace of mind is part of the service.
What It Means for Our Team
This approach only works because we’re committed to fairness across the board. Our chefs, bartenders, and service staff are paid livable, competitive wages that reflect their skill and professionalism.
We want our team to focus on creating exceptional experiences, not chasing gratuities to make ends meet. It’s a culture of respect, and it’s one we’re proud to maintain.
Why It Matters
We know our model isn’t the norm, but we think it should be.
Events should feel joyful, not transactional. You deserve transparency from the moment you inquire to the moment the last glass is cleared. Every line item should make sense, and every dollar should go where it belongs.
By staying gratuity-optional, we’re setting a higher standard for hospitality: one based on clarity, integrity, and genuine appreciation.
Hospitality should feel good, simple as that.
No hidden fees. No pressure to tip. No fine print. Just honest pricing, genuine service, and the freedom to say “thank you” when it truly feels right.
That’s what gratuity optional means at Parish Events.
Ready to experience transparent hospitality?
Let’s plan your next event together.