Franklin Dean
Feeding your wedding vendors is considered standard practice and is often stipulated in their contracts. Vendors who work for six hours or more should be fed, and this typically includes the photographer, videographer, DJ, band members, planner, coordinator, and venue staff. It is not necessary to provide a meal for the catering staff, as they usually make their own arrangements. It is important to confirm with each vendor whether they require a meal and to check their contracts for any specific requirements, such as a hot meal. Providing a separate space for vendors to eat can allow them to unwind and regroup, but some may prefer to eat in the reception space to stay connected to the couple and party. Feeding your vendors ensures they remain on-site and available when needed, which can help keep your wedding day running smoothly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you feed wedding vendors? | Yes, it is recommended to feed wedding vendors who are on-site for most of the day. |
| Who is considered a wedding vendor? | Photographer, videographer, wedding planner, venue manager, photo booth attendant, DJ, band, etc. |
| Where should wedding vendors eat? | Wedding vendors can eat in the reception space or a separate space. |
| When should wedding vendors eat? | Wedding vendors should eat during scheduled breaks, with some rotating before and after dinner. |
| What should wedding vendors be served? | Wedding vendors should be served a tasty, substantial meal, but it does not need to be the same as the guests' meal. |
| Should you invite everyone to the wedding reception? | Opinions vary; some people believe that everyone should be invited to the reception and provided with food, while others suggest having a separate guest list for the reception to accommodate a small budget. |
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What You'll Learn
Feeding wedding vendors is a must
Feeding wedding vendors is an absolute must. While it may seem odd to feed the people working for you, it is an industry standard. Vendors who work for six hours or more should be fed—this typically includes the photographer, videographer, DJ, band members, planner, photo booth attendants, and coordinators. It is also common to feed the venue manager, security, bartenders, and catering staff, though this is less common.
It is important to check the contracts of your vendors, as many will have a clause requiring a hot, nutritious meal. This is because vendors often need to stay on-site and ready for anything, and a proper meal will help them perform at their best. Vendors may also need to be available during dinner, so it is much more convenient for them to eat on-site than to leave the wedding to get food.
You do not need to provide the same meal as your guests—a cheaper "vendor meal" option is often available from caterers, and this can range from a cold boxed sandwich to a hot meal without the canapes. It is also possible to provide something separate, such as pizzas or a sandwich platter, or even just a box of snacks or fresh fruit and bottled water.
When deciding where to seat your vendors, it is worth noting that some prefer to eat in a separate space, as they feel awkward eating in front of guests. However, it is important to ensure they eat at the same time as your guests, as they may miss key moments if they eat too early or too late.
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Vendors should be fed good food
Feeding your wedding vendors is an absolute must. It is a well-established industry standard and is often stipulated in their contracts. Vendors who are onsite for the duration of the event should be fed. This includes the photographer, videographer, DJ, band members, planner, coordinator, photo booth attendant, and venue manager.
Vendors can be served in the reception space or in a separate space. There are benefits to both options. Eating in the reception space means vendors can remain on schedule and won't miss any key moments. However, some vendors may feel awkward eating in front of guests, and having a separate space to relax and eat can allow them to truly unwind. If they are served in a separate space, it is best to serve them at the same time as your guests so they can be available when you need them.
Some vendors may prefer to be served first, before your guests, so they can get back to work as soon as they are done eating. However, if they are served too early, they may finish before the guests and miss key moments such as the cake-cutting and parent dances. Therefore, it is important to coordinate with your vendors to determine their meal preferences and the best time for them to eat.
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Vendors should eat in a separate space
Feeding your wedding vendors is an absolute must. However, some pros feel a bit awkward eating in the reception space where guests can see them. They may feel like they are "taking a break" when they are technically there to "work".
Providing a separate space for your vendors to eat can allow them to truly unwind and regroup. This could be in a room next door or at a table in a tucked-away kitchen or back area somewhere out of the way. Vendors can then relax without feeling disconnected from the couple and party due to too much distance between them.
If you don't provide a separate space for your vendors to eat, they may feel obliged to leave the wedding venue to get food. This means they may miss key elements to film, photograph, or set up music for. It's also more convenient for vendors to take a quick break close by than to leave the venue.
When deciding where your vendors should eat, it's worth checking their contracts. Some vendors stipulate that they need to be provided with a hot, nutritious meal, while others may be happy with a box of snacks or fresh fruit.
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Vendors should be fed at a separate time
Feeding your wedding vendors is an absolute must. However, there are differing opinions on whether vendors should eat in the reception space or in a separate space.
Some sources suggest that vendors should eat in a separate space, as it can be awkward for them to eat in front of guests. Having a separate space to relax and eat can allow vendors to truly unwind and regroup. However, it is important to ensure that the space is not too far away, as vendors may feel disconnected from the couple and the party.
On the other hand, some sources argue that vendors should eat in the reception space. This allows them to easily remain on schedule and not miss any key moments during the wedding. It also ensures that vendors are nearby and ready for anything when you need them.
To accommodate both preferences, you can designate a table in a corner of the reception space for vendors to eat and hang out afterward. This way, they can take a quick break without feeling like they are on display in front of the guests.
It is also important to consider the timing of the meals. Vendors should be served at the beginning of dinner to ensure they don't miss any key moments during the wedding. Serving them a full, hot meal will ensure they stay fueled and focused throughout the event.
Additionally, don't forget to check the contracts of your vendors. Some may require a meal as per their contract, and some may even specify that they need a hot and nutritious meal. Communicating with your vendors directly is the best way to understand their preferences and ensure they are taken care of.
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Feeding guests at the reception
Feeding your wedding vendors is an absolute must. It is always worth double-checking with each vendor who will be present at your reception. Some of them require a meal as per their contract, so read that fine print!
Vendors who are only at the wedding for a couple of hours, like a ceremony musician, officiant, or getaway car driver, won't need meals. You also don't need to worry about the catering staff since they take care of their own servers and bartenders.
A good rule of thumb is that any vendor working 6 hours or more should have something to eat. This typically includes the photographer, videographer, DJ, live band members, and planner. It can also include other vendors such as live painters or photo booth attendants.
Some couples choose to provide a separate space for vendors to eat, as some pros feel awkward eating where guests can see them. However, it is important to note that serving vendors in a separate space may result in them missing key moments of the wedding.
When it comes to what to serve, a hot meal is generally preferred. While it is not necessary to serve vendors the same meal as your guests, it is important to provide something substantial that will keep them fueled and focused. Some caterers offer discounted "vendor meals," which can range from a cold boxed sandwich and chips to a hot meal without the appetizers.
Be sure to include vendor meals in your wedding budget and discuss your options with your caterer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is customary to feed wedding vendors who are on-site for most of the day.
Wedding vendors should be fed good, substantial food, but it does not have to be the same meal as the guests.
Wedding vendors often eat at separate times and in a separate space to the guests. Wedding bands, for example, often eat before their set during cocktail hour.
Wedding vendors can eat in a separate space to guests, or in the reception space.
It is not customary to feed catering staff, but it is advisable to ask.
