Tipping at catered event?

Question

I'm going to the Maryland 5* event this weekend and have paid $200 for a catered ticket which includes buffet meals and drinks all day. I'm from NZ and I'm not clear if I should tip or not. I know a tip would be appreciated but is it expected in this situation?

I just got takeout from a pizza place and realized after I left I should have tipped for that, so just trying to understand when I should tip.

Thanks

Answer

In the United States, tipping customs can be a bit different from New Zealand, and they depend on the type of service you receive. For a catered event where you have paid a ticket price that includes buffet meals and drinks, the expectation is usually different than for a restaurant or takeout.

Here’s how it generally works:

If the event is fully catered and the price of your ticket includes all food and drinks, the staff is typically being compensated by the event organizers or the catering company. In this case, tipping is not strictly required or expected, but it is always appreciated if you feel the service was exceptional.

Consider these points:

If there are bartenders serving drinks, it’s customary to tip $1–$2 per drink, especially if they are making cocktails.
If there are waitstaff clearing plates, refilling drinks, or providing table service, a small tip of $5–$10 per staff member for the day can be a nice gesture, but it is optional.
For buffet-style events where you serve yourself and staff are only refilling trays or clearing plates, tipping is less common and not required.
Check your ticket details — sometimes high-end events include a service charge in the ticket price, which means tipping separately is not expected.

Regarding your takeout example, in the U.S., it is customary to tip 10–15% on takeout orders if you want to support the staff, though it is not mandatory like in a full-service restaurant.

Summary:

For your catered event: tipping is optional, but appreciated if you want to reward excellent service.
Bartenders or serving staff can receive a small tip if you choose to give one.
For self-serve buffet meals, tipping is not expected.
Always check if a service charge is already included in the ticket price.

So, you don’t need to worry — you are not required to tip at this event, but a small gesture is fine if you wish to acknowledge good service.