When hiring wedding professionals for your big day, you may see a section in your contract about providing vendor meals. Do you really need to spend extra money feeding them after you’ve already paid so much for their services?
Do I have to feed my vendors?
YES! Imagine working 8 to 10 to 12 hours, on your feet, without any sort of meal or break. Providing a meal through your caterer or venue just makes sense. Leaving the venue to go get a meal can easily take one hour, or more, depending on the location. Would you want your photographer to leave your wedding for an hour, potentially missing important moments? No.
Who do I need to feed?
Even if it's not listed in their contract, it's nice to provide a meal for:
wedding planners/coordinators
DJ or band
photographers
videographers
venue representative
What do they eat?
Depending on the venue or caterer, they may serve the vendors a similar meal to what the guests are eating, or they may provide something different. Talk to your caterer about options - it's always best to offer a hot meal option vs a sandwich or salad. Also ask if any of your vendors have any dietary restrictions (vegan/vegetarian, gluten free, etc.).
When and where to vendors eat?
Vendor meals should be served at the same time you and your guests are eating - this way they will be ready to get back to work as soon as you are finished with dinner. Usually vendors will eat in a separate room, or possibly the cocktail hour space if no other nearby room is available.
Will vendor meals cost the same as my guests’ food?
Typically, no. Your reception menu price usually includes appetizers and possibly bar service, neither of which your vendors will consume. (Speaking of the bar - vendors should never drink alcohol while working. Would you walk into your doctor’s office or post office and see someone sitting at their desk with a beer? No.) Be sure to talk to your caterer about pricing and options for vendor meals.
