A funeral can be a difficult and emotional time. To minimize stress, it's a good idea to enter into the event knowing exactly what's expected of you when it comes to funeral gratuity etiquette. For example, do you tip caterers at a funeral? Do you tip cemetery workers? And [do you tip funeral directors? Getting a handle on those details beforehand will give you one less thing to worry about during the actual event.
Here are some things you need to know about who to tip at a funeral.
Do You Tip Funeral Directors?
It isn't customary to tip a funeral director, and these individuals typically won't expect a gratuity. If you want to show gratitude for a job well done, a thank-you note or an online review will suffice.
The funeral director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the funeral service. This includes preparing the body and managing visitation, if necessary. These professionals also direct the burial or cremation.
Do You Tip Flower Delivery Professionals?
Yes, a tip of $2 to $5 per delivery is customary. Keep in mind that the individuals who provide this vital service rely on tips for a large portion of their income. It's a good idea to keep some dollar bills on hand on the day of the event so you can provide the necessary gratuities to the delivery people.
Floral arrangements help illustrate the affection you feel for a departed loved one. The delivery people tasked with getting these flowers to the venue play an important role since the arrangements add a lot to the ceremony.
Do You Tip Caterers?
Gratuities are the accepted norm within the food services industry, so it's probably not surprising for you to learn that it's customary to tip the caterers who provide the food at your funeral event. It's typical to give a tip that constitutes 10-15 percent of the total bill. And if you're really happy with the service, you can also write a review on the caterer's website that includes photos of the food.
Food can sometimes take the edge off of sorrow. Caterers make sure the cuisine at your funeral is ready when guests expect it.
Is There a Gratuity for the Funeral Minister?
No, a gratuity for the funeral minister isn't customary. But these clergy members usually receive something called an honorarium. This is a sum of cash intended to show appreciation for the time and care that the minister put into guiding the ceremony. An honorarium of between $100 and $300 is typical. However, you can give more or less than that depending on your circumstances.
A funeral minister plays an essential role in a funeral, providing wisdom and perspective that can help ease grief. Clergy members like funeral ministers don't usually charge a fee for their services.
Do You Tip the Honor Guard at a Funeral?
It's not necessary to tip the honor guard at a funeral. This service is provided free of charge by the U.S. military to honor veterans.
If your deceased loved one was in the military forces, it's possible that an honor guard will play a role at the funeral event. According to federal law, eligible veterans are entitled to a military honor guard detail at their funeral as a tribute to the service these veterans have given to their country. The law states that this detail shall consist of at least two members of the Armed Forces.
The services provided by an honor guard vary depending on the qualifications of the deceased. They can include everything from a simple flag folding to a firing party.
What Is the Customary Tip for a Limo Driver?
Limo drivers at a funeral expect a gratuity for their services. The customary tip for a limo driver is 10 to 15 percent of the total bill.
However, there's a caveat: Some transportation companies include a gratuity as part of their total fee. If this is the case, you won't need to tip the driver. Take a close look at the terms of your agreement to see if this gratuity is factored into the bill.
The limo driver is tasked with getting a funeral vehicle from one place to the next on the day of the event. Depending on the type of funeral service, you may be working with one or several drivers to coordinate the transportation.
Do You Tip Cemetery Workers?
It's not customary to provide cemetery workers with a tip. If your loved one is being buried, cemetery workers handle the mechanics of the burial.
Final Thoughts
Paying tips and gratuities may seem like the last thing you want to do when navigating a funeral. However, keep in mind that the professionals who receive these tips all play a role in helping the funeral proceed without a hitch. The gratuity you provide is your way of thanking them for their help in giving your deceased loved one a suitable send-off.
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