Post # 1
Member
1336 posts
Bumble bee
So we’re trying to accomodate as many people as possible from our “maybes” invite list, and then we remembered we have to feed the vendors too. Our photographers, there will be 2, will pretty much have no break. Right after the ceremony, which will end at 4pm, they will take pictures of us and then travel with us to our reception site (half an hour away) which will begin at 6pm. Point is I feel like we absolutely need to have dinner for them, the videographers however will have that break in between, do we serve dinner for them also? I figure the DJ and band members would also have to be included? Please let me know what you all suggest. Thanks!
Post # 3
Member
3344 posts
Sugar bee
I would say yes. Take a look at your contracts for each vendor; it probably says explicitly.
Post # 4
Member
948 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2018 - Coyaba Resort, Montego Bay
I think it’s best to err on the side of caution with this one – and assume that you will provide the vendors with meals. Also, check your contracts to see if it is stipulated in it! Plus, I just think it is a nice gesture 🙂
Post # 6
Member
1037 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: May 2010 - Carlouel Yacht Club
Yes! You definitely should be feeding them! I know some places will have special plates that they can make up for band members, photogs, etc…or they can always eat what you are having…depends on the venue. And, make sure you check your contracts to make sure that it isn’t required anyway…I know with my photog it is required that I feed him (not that I wasn’t planning on it anyway…but I do remember it being in there)!
Post # 7
Member
6572 posts
Bee Keeper
it says it in our contract. we actually only have a photographer, no other vendors, and in the contract it says we can either provide food or give him a 45 min. break. i’d rather give him food because i want him there in case something good happens.
Post # 8
Member
250 posts
Helper bee
Our Day of Coordinator said it was an “expected thing” for they are there such long hours~ one of the perks they get.
Post # 9
Member
4480 posts
Honey bee
- Wedding: March 2010 - Calamigos Ranch
Look at your contracts and the length of them as well… if anyone is working more than four hours, I’m feeding them, even if the contract doesn’t stipulate it.
Post # 10
Member
6661 posts
Bee Keeper
I am feeding all of our vendors, it’s in our contract. Even the florist who is just dropping off the bouquets gets a 4 course dinner (just kidding). But seriously, everyone who is spending more than an hour with us is getting fed.
Post # 11
Member
1566 posts
Bumble bee
Yes! If it’s not specified in the contract, I would feed them anyway. The last thing you want is to have the people who are responsible for making your wedding a success being hungry and annoyed that you didn’t feed them.
Post # 12
Member
297 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: April 2018 - The Grand Old House, Grand Cayman
Yeah, I would definitely do it. LIke GirlWithARing said, you don’t need any grumpy, hungry vendors on your wedding day!
Post # 13
Member
2470 posts
Buzzing bee
Yes. Talk to your venue person and see if they have special “vendor” meals. These could often save money.
Post # 14
Member
635 posts
Busy bee
Like a lot of people said, a lot of venues have vendor meals so they’re not charging you $100 a head for your DJ to eat. But also check in the contract – I know, off the top of my head, both my videographer and photographer stipulate a meal in their contract. My officiant will be invited, but I doubt she’ll come, and it’s not in my DJs contract, so I’m not sure what her situation is.
Post # 15
Member
588 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2010 - Philippe Park
If they’re working past 4 hours, definitely feed them! I would, even if it wasn’t in their contracts.
Post # 16
Member
1336 posts
Bumble bee
Thank you ladies, I love the suggestion about asking our venue for vendor meals, had not thought of it. And yes, we want happy vendors. 
