Franklin Dean
Feeding the employees at your wedding is a topic that often comes up during wedding planning. It is generally expected that the couple feeds their wedding vendors, and this is often written into their contracts. Vendors such as the photographer, videographer, DJ, band members, planner, and coordinator are typically fed by the couple. It is important to note that catering staff are usually not included in this and are not expected to be fed by the couple. The decision to feed vendors can also depend on the length of their work, with some expecting a meal after working for 5-6 hours or more. Couples can choose to provide vendor meals, which can range from boxed meals to the same meal as the guests, minus alcohol. Feeding vendors ensures they can easily stay on schedule and not miss any important moments during the wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you feed employees at your wedding? | Yes, it is an industry standard and it is the right thing to do. |
| Who should be fed? | Photographer, videographer, DJ, band members, planner, venue manager, photo booth attendant, MC, live painters, catering staff (optional). |
| When should they be fed? | Before the couple eats, or at the same time so they finish around the same time. |
| Where should they be fed? | In the reception space or a separate room. |
| What should they be fed? | A hot, nutritious meal, or a vendor meal (which can be cheaper). |
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What You'll Learn
It is standard practice to feed wedding employees
It is common for caterers to offer "vendor meals", which can be a cheaper, simpler option than the guest meals. These can range from a cold boxed sandwich to a hot meal, depending on what is stated in the contract. Some vendors may specify that they require a hot, nutritious meal, while others may be happy with a boxed meal. It is worth noting that some vendors may become unhappy if they are not fed, which could impact their performance.
When deciding where to seat your wedding employees during their meal, you could consider a separate space where they can relax and unwind. However, some employees may feel disconnected if they are too far away from the couple and the party. Alternatively, you could seat them in the reception space, allowing them to remain on schedule and not miss any key moments.
It is also important to consider the timing of their meals. Serving them directly after the couple has been served will likely mean they finish eating around the same time, ensuring they are ready to capture any post-dinner moments, such as speeches or dances.
Feeding your wedding employees is a kind gesture that shows your appreciation for their hard work and helps ensure your special day runs smoothly.
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Feeding employees is often written into their contracts
Feeding wedding vendors is often considered an industry standard. Vendors who work for long hours without a break should be fed. This includes the photographer, videographer, DJ, live band members, planner, venue manager, photo booth attendant, coordinator, security, and catering staff.
It is a kind gesture to feed your wedding vendors, and it is also practical. Vendors who are well-fed will perform at their best and be available when needed. It is also more convenient for them to take a short break to eat at the wedding venue than to leave to get food. If they leave, they may miss important moments or elements of the wedding.
Some vendors may have a clause in their contract that requires a vendor meal. This is to ensure that they will be able to eat a sufficient meal during the wedding. It is important to check the contracts of your vendors to see if they require a meal.
The caterer may offer a "vendor meal" at a discounted rate. This can range from a cold boxed sandwich to a hot meal similar to what the guests are served. It is not necessary to serve vendors the same gourmet meal as your guests, but it is important to provide them with something substantial and nutritious that will keep them fueled and focused.
It is also important to consider the timing of when your vendors eat. They can eat in the reception space or in a separate space. Eating in the reception space allows them to remain on schedule and not miss any action. However, some vendors may feel awkward eating in front of guests. Eating in a separate space can allow them to truly unwind and regroup. It is also important to ensure that the vendors finish eating around the same time as the couple so that they are ready for any "main events" such as toasts, cake cutting, or dances.
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Employees should be fed a hot meal
Feeding your wedding employees is an absolute must. Wedding vendors, such as photographers, videographers, DJs, live band members, and planners, put in long, labor-intensive days. It is only thoughtful to feed them a hot meal.
Firstly, it is convenient for vendors to take a short break and eat at the wedding venue, rather than having to leave and miss important moments. Vendors can easily remain on schedule and won't miss a minute of the action. If they leave, your wedding could be without music, photos, or drinks for an hour or more.
Secondly, feeding your employees a hot meal is a kind gesture. It is a long day for them, and it can be draining, both mentally and physically. A hot meal will help fuel them and keep them focused. It is also a nice way to say thank you for their hard work.
Lastly, it is often written into vendor contracts that they will be provided with a meal. Vendors may even specify that they need a hot, nutritious meal. This is because some venues may only provide a cold sandwich and chips, which is not sufficient for a long day of work.
In conclusion, employees should be fed a hot meal. It ensures they can do their best work and be available when you need them, it is a kind gesture, and it is often a requirement.
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Employees may have a separate space to eat
Feeding your wedding vendors is an absolute must. Many of the professionals you hire will put in a long, intensive day, and providing them with a meal is a thoughtful way to say thank you. It is also a well-established industry standard.
Some vendors may prefer to eat in a separate space, as eating in front of guests can feel awkward. Providing a different room or a table in the corner of the reception space can allow vendors to truly unwind and relax. However, some may feel disconnected from the party with too much distance, so it is worth chatting with your venue and planner about the best option for your wedding.
If you don't feed your vendors, they are within their rights to leave for an hour to get food, and you may miss out on key moments of your wedding day. It is also more convenient for them to take a short break to eat at the venue than to leave and return.
You don't have to feed the catering staff, but it is worth asking if they would like a meal. It is not necessary to provide them with the same gourmet meal as your guests, but something substantial and hot will keep them fuelled and focused.
It is worth checking your vendors' contracts, as some will specify that a hot, nutritious meal is required. This is because some caterers may otherwise provide a basic sandwich and salad. Vendors who have been in the business a long time are more likely to have this clause in their contract.
A good rule of thumb is that any vendor working for six hours or more should be fed, and this typically includes the photographer, videographer, DJ, band members, and planner.
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Feeding employees ensures they are available when needed
Feeding your wedding vendors is a thoughtful gesture that ensures they are well-fuelled and available when needed. While it may seem unusual to feed people who are working for you, it is an industry standard and a kind way to say thank you to those who have worked hard to make your wedding a success.
Wedding vendors such as photographers, videographers, DJs, bands, planners, and coordinators often put in long, intensive days. If they are not fed, they may need to leave the venue to get food, which could mean they miss important moments. By providing a meal, you ensure they can take a quick break and be ready for action when needed.
It is best to check your vendors' contracts, as many will include a clause about providing a meal. Some may specify a hot, nutritious meal, while others may be satisfied with a boxed meal or sandwich. Vendors may also appreciate a separate space to eat and relax, although some may prefer to stay connected to the party atmosphere.
Feeding your wedding vendors ensures they can perform at their best and be available when you need them, keeping your day running smoothly according to plan. It is a simple way to show your appreciation and ensure everyone's needs are met.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. You don't need to feed the venue's staff, but it's recommended to feed coordinators.
No, you do not need to provide a meal for servers. It’s about 50/50 whether bartenders need to be included in your meal count.
Yes. Vendors are not included in your guest count, but you do need to confirm the vendor meal count. It's often written into their contracts.
Vendors include the DJ, photographer, wedding planner, venue manager, photo booth attendant, and band or musicians.
You can ask your vendors to eat in the reception space or in another room. It's best to feed them before you and your bridal party so that they can get back to work as soon as they're done eating.
