How To Be A Good Guest: VIP Edition
I’ve always been a party girl. Not like the sex, drugs, rock & roll type of party. But more like drop it like it’s hot dance all night type of party girl. I use to go to teen clubs and dance until the club closed. We were like 12 and 13, smh. In college, I knew all of the promoters so I was always in VIP. Post-college I worked with the Network DC and there was an event like every other week. I was also always VIP because I was apart of the team. Through these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about party & nightlife culture and some of the dos and donts of the VIP lifestyle. When I go out now I see so many cringeworthy things that I had to write an article about it.
If you buy anything outside of the waitress, calculate that to the tab
When you have a section there is always a waitress assigned to that section. She should be getting all of the drinks, bottles, food, etc. When you order somewhere else they will calculate it into the section’s tab, at the end of the night, the host will be charged. Your waitress wants all of her money, this is a job like any other so it is only fair that she is properly compensated.
Give your money to the Host ahead of time with 10% tax and 15%-20% gratuity included
So there is no confusion the night of, you should give your portion of the bill to the host ahead of time. Within that amount should be 10% for taxes (This is for DC, check the average rate in your local state) and 20% for gratuity. Depending on what the table bought, taxes and gratuity could be another $200-$300 dollars. It’s not fair to leave the host to pay that by themselves. There is also nothing worse than having to chase people down after a drunk night of fun for their portion of the bill.
Don’t sit in someone's section and be boring
This is a real pet peeve of mine. No one wants a boring section. As a woman who wears heels, I understand the need to find a place to sit. But, sitting in someone's section drinking their alcohol with a stank face on is not only annoying but it’s definitely, not cute! Get up and dance, talk to people, entertain the host and have a good time. Otherwise, why are you there?
Never disrespect the host! Wait to be served
This one is a big NO-NO! Everyone loves when the bottles hit the table and can’t wait to get their glass. The protocol is: the host passes out glasses and asks who wants a drink and then pours the initial first round. Usually, the waitress will come around and pour a second or third round for the table, then and only then are you left to your own devices for a drink. You have to wait to be asked and poured up. You taking it upon yourself to get drinks without asking the host or being served is highly disrespectful. Most likely you will not be asked back.
Know the dynamics of who is who
This is partially a follow up to number 4. If you want anything from the table: hookah, champagne, a cocktail, etc. you need to ask the host or someone who put in (paid) on the table. Otherwise, you are being rude and out of line.
If you finessed your way into the section, act accordingly
If you are not someone who helped pay for the table you are a guest. Don’t be over-indulgent, ask before you do, make sure you speak to everyone, be fun and friendly and you shouldn’t run into any issues. Also, if this is your first VIP experience don’t act as if you’ve never been anywhere! It’s unattractive and very telling. Have fun, be polite, and get to know people.
I hope this guide gives you a little insight into nightlife etiquette. If you have anything to add or any funny stories, please leave them in the comments below!
XOXO,
KVT
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