Wedding Etiquette: Vendors And Invitations

Wedding planning can be stressful, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. It's common to wonder if you should send wedding invitations to your vendors. The short answer is no — vendors are not guests, they are hired professionals, and they already have a contract with you, so an invitation is not necessary. However, if you have a close personal relationship with any of your vendors, such as a friend doing your flowers or a relative officiating the ceremony, you may want to send them an invitation as a nice gesture. It's also a good idea to discuss meal preferences and seating arrangements with your vendors ahead of time.

Wedding vendors are not guests, they are staff

There are, however, a couple of exceptions to this rule. Firstly, if the vendor is a social acquaintance or a close friend, it is tactful to send them an invitation. This is especially true if you are having a small wedding and want to include them in the celebration. Secondly, the officiant of the wedding is often assumed to be a social friend of the family and is usually invited, along with their spouse or significant other.

While it is not required to send invitations to vendors, it is important to provide them with meals, especially if they will be working for an extended period. Vendors should be consulted about their meal preferences and any dietary restrictions or allergies they may have. Some caterers offer "vendor meals" at a lower cost than the reception meal, or you can provide them with a separate meal, such as sandwiches or pizza.

Additionally, some couples choose to send their photographer a save-the-date or invitation to be photographed with the wedding rings or other details. This also ensures that the photographer has the necessary information and doesn't need to be reminded of the wedding details on the day.

Overall, while wedding vendors are not guests, they should be treated with courtesy and provided with comfortable working conditions, including meals, to ensure your special day runs smoothly.

Vendors should be fed a meal

When it comes to seating arrangements, it is recommended to set up a separate table for the vendors away from the guests. This allows them to take a break and enjoy their meal without having to worry about working or tending to the guests. It also ensures that they can eat at their own pace and choose when to take breaks, rather than being restricted to specific times.

It is a good idea to discuss meal preferences and seating arrangements with your vendors ahead of time. This way, you can accommodate any special dietary needs or restrictions they may have. It also shows that you care about their well-being and want to make sure they are comfortable during your event.

Some vendors may prefer to eat in a more private setting, such as a lobby or back room, especially if they are not familiar with the other vendors or venue staff. It is important to respect their wishes and provide them with a comfortable space to take a break and enjoy their meal.

In summary, while sending invitations to vendors is not necessary, providing them with a nutritious meal and a comfortable space to eat is essential. This will ensure that they stay energised and motivated throughout your event, contributing to the success of your special day.

The officiant is usually invited

The general consensus is that you don't need to send wedding invitations to your vendors. They are not guests, they are employees, and they have a contract to be there. However, there is an exception for the officiant, who is usually only "working" during the ceremony and is often a personal acquaintance.

If you have a personal relationship with your officiant, it is a nice gesture to send them an invitation. This is especially true if your officiant is linked to you by religion or is someone you know well, such as a priest you grew up with or a friend of the family. In this case, it is customary to invite them to the reception as a guest. Sending an invitation to your officiant is a way to make them feel welcome and show your appreciation for their contribution to your special day.

However, if your officiant is a stranger or someone you don't know well, you may not want to send an invitation. Some officiants may feel awkward about receiving an invitation and almost obligated to attend the reception, even if they don't want to. In this case, it might be better to simply discuss the invitation with them beforehand and clarify whether they plan to attend the reception.

Ultimately, the decision to send an invitation to your officiant is a personal one and depends on your relationship with them. If you do choose to send an invitation, be sure to include their significant other or spouse on the invitation as well.

The photographer may want an invite for photos

The photographer may want a wedding invitation for photos, and this is something to consider when deciding whether to send invites to vendors. Some photographers specify in their contract that they should be sent a formal invitation, while others say it is not necessary.

Photographers may want to use the invitation as a "Connection Element" in detail shots, pairing the invite with other elements like earrings and rings. It is also useful for photographers to have an invitation to photograph in case the couple forgets to bring one on the day.

Some photographers display wedding invitations in their portfolio or studio as a "trophy case". This can be a nice way to show appreciation to a small business owner.

If you are unsure about whether to send an invitation to your photographer, it is worth asking them directly.

Vendors don't need an invite to know when to show up

If you're wondering whether or not to send wedding invitations to your vendors, the consensus is that it's not necessary. Here's why:

First and foremost, vendors are not guests; they are working at your wedding. They have a contract with you, which outlines the date, time, and location of the event, so they don't need an invitation to know when and where to show up. Sending an invitation might even be confusing or offensive to some vendors, who could interpret it as you questioning their professionalism or ability to keep track of their bookings.

Secondly, while it's a nice gesture to want to include your vendors in the excitement of your wedding, they are professionals who are being paid to provide a service. Their focus will be on doing their job to the best of their ability, not on celebrating your special day as a guest would. Most vendors prefer to grab a quick bite to eat in a separate area from the guests, and they often appreciate having a break from the wedding festivities to relax and recharge.

However, there is one exception to consider: the officiant. If your officiant is a friend or someone you have a close relationship with, it is customary to send them an invitation, especially if they are only "working" during the ceremony and not the reception. In this case, it is also appropriate to include their significant other on the invitation.

If you have extra invitations and want to send them to your vendors as a thoughtful gesture, go ahead! Just be aware that they might not need or want it. Some vendors, like photographers, might appreciate having the invitation for detail shots or to get a "feel" for your wedding style. Others might simply throw it away. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but know that it is not expected or required.

Frequently asked questions