The Key Step Large Parties Often Overlook Before Dining Out

If you’ve ever worked in food service, you probably know all about the headache that big groups can cause when they waltz into restaurants. Some restaurants even push back on parties of six or larger. Big groups can be disorganized and demanding, not to mention loud. So if you’re going to dine in a restaurant as part of a large party, the least you can do is be a courteous customer.

There’s one specific thing groups often forget to do before dining out that makes everyone’s lives harder. Whatever you do, don’t skip a pre-dinner discussion about how you are going to pay for the meal. When the check comes, know whose card or cards the meal is going on and how everyone is going to pay their share. Is one person covering and expecting Venmo payments from everyone else? Will it get split evenly among everyone at the table? Does everyone need their own check?

Really, the best thing you can do is let your server know ahead of time exactly how you plan to split payment. As in most relationships, communication is key. And while it’s true that no one likes to talk about money, think about it like this: You’re going to have to have the conversation at some point. Why not do it ahead of time instead of at the end of the meal when everyone is tipsy and full and a little bit frantic trying to wrap everything up and get out of the restaurant’s hair?

Large groups aren’t usually servers’ favorites, but occasionally, you will find yourself seated at a very long, loud table of hungry people. So there are a few things servers say you can do (in addition to figuring out pay methods beforehand) to make their lives easier and make sure everyone has a smooth, enjoyable meal. First, choose a group-friendly restaurant, like one of the best chain restaurants for a group meal.

One server on Reddit said they don’t mind serving big tables as long as the party is organized, knows what they want, and “aren’t trying to split the bill with people on the opposite ends of the table.” A different person complained that large parties often don’t pay attention, which can make the ordering process awkward. Another user disliked like that the tip may rely solely on one person, and a fourth commenter once had a group that changed seats mid-meal and then got annoyed when the server had to ask what each person ordered.

All you have to do in order to make your servers’ lives easier as a group is to remember that they are human beings. Yes, you’re at a restaurant, but you could also end up disrupting the flow of operations for your own convenience. So be nice, tip generously, and try to be considerate.