It’s that time of week when we answer the questions you’re too drunk or shy to ask…This question comes from Stephanie: Who do I tip when I’m going to a wedding? We got in an argument at a wedding last week that I tipped too much. It was a downtown hotel, and I was raised to tip for service. I know I tip the valet, coat check and the bartender, but what about the waiter? I have three more to go to this summer, and I’m tired of not knowing and feeling awkward or wrong!I answered part of this question back in February, sort of, but it is wedding and party season. The topic is worth revisiting, especially in this town. I won’t get in to the debate of “To tip or not to tip.” Tipping is just what you do, people. If you don’t like it, move to Germany. You tip the valet, the doorman for calling you a cab, and the coat check. During service you tip your table servers if you received good service and, pardon my bias, YOU ALWAYS TIP THE BARTENDER. Everyone east of the Mississippi knows this, and I’m tired of the Northwest, snot-nosed attitude of reverse snobbery regarding tipping. Buncha Mr. Pinks. It’s really just a mask for ignorance and a host of insecurities about not knowing how to behave properly around service industry employees. Whooo, yeah, I’ve got some issues. But we were talking about tipping, right?I’ll offer conservative numbers to give you an idea of what to tip so as not to look like a cheapskate. The rest is on your conscience; you can always tip more, if you like karma.The valet: Your host should cover the parking for all guests wanting to park in the venue, but this rarely happens out here. A valet should get at least $3, but some will expect more (especially when parking at a downtown hotel runs $20 or more). You tip at the end, and don’t worry about who parked your car as opposed to the person who retrieved it.The doorman: Unless you need help with luggage ($1 per bag if taken to the room), you don’t tip the doorman for opening the door for you. You do tip the doorman for getting you a cab, a couple bucks ought to do it.The concierge: If you’re staying in a hotel for an event and use the concierge for lunch or breakfast recommendations, it’s customary to tip. Depending upon the extent of service, $5-$20+ is acceptable. Tip $5 if the concierge gave great breakfast and sightseeing tips, closer to $20 if they swung you a reservation or got you coveted tickets, etc.Coat check: It used to boggle my mind, managing events in Seattle, that coat check could make more than the bartender, yet this happened all the time. A buck a coat is standard, rarely do people leave more, but you can if you had extra gear like a wet umbrella, nice hat, or giant computer bag (cough, Microsoftees, cough). The bartender: How much you tip at an open bar is up to you; it’s the gesture, not the amount. One buck a drink may be too steep if you’re procuring four Heinies for the guys, but a buck a round is too little if you and a guest are drinking anything with some assembly required, like martinis. I could go on, of course. (more on open bar etiquette HERE)The service staff: If you feel like you received better than decent service (more than a few plates dealt in front of you), by all means, tip the server directly. I’m good for anywhere between $10-$20. All you have to do is keep my water and wine overflowing and bring me extra dinner roll. I take the position of “why not?” Afterall, I’m not paying for dinner.Got a question for the bartender? Email me at msavarino@seattleweekly.com.