We once went to a restaurant to celebrate the engagement of a witness couple. Because of the large number present we were seated at two tables. The waiters were exemplary the service was above reproach but at the end of the meal one table left without paying any gratuity and at our table the parents of the girl refused to pay the service fee. As a result my husband ended up paying the gratuity for the other table and the deficit on ours which amounted to a huge amount for one person to carry. We were not rich by any means and had budgeted for the night out but not for the extra burden. Many of those invited by comparison were well off but misers to the core. The service fee was compulsory for parties over 10 people, it was a reasonable charge and there was no reason to with hold it. Paying gratuities for 20 people soon mounts up. At least I know we are welcome back at the restaurant.
I always hated going out with witnesses and the splitting of bills because the amount never talied and no one saw the need to pay a tip.