MemberIs it normal to charge for vendor meals? My husband doesn’t think we should have to pay for the band and DJ meals. He says they might not even get a chance to eat and we will probably have some no show that we have paid for so that should cover them. this is just another ongoing last minute argument with him
HostessThere normally is a fee for vendor meals, and yes, they should be allowed a break to eat.
I think not providing a meal is super rude.
MemberWe included our photographers, DJ, officiant, etc in our final headcount to the caterer. We paid regular prices for regular guest meals.
MemberYou can either pay for vendor meals or give them an hour break so they can go get their own meal. I’d choose to provide a meal. And a good meal. You don’t want these people to be grumpy!
MemberOur venue only charges us half the regular price for vendor meals and since you usually only have to supply vendor meals for your DJ and photographer and any assistants they may have its usually not that pricey. Also you really don’t want grump vendors as PP mentioned a grumpy photographer and DJ are never good.
Member@Sadiepoo: Doesn’t hurt to ask your vendors if they want a meal. My DJ specifically told me that he didn’t want a meal because he wouldn’t have time to eat it.
MemberYes, it is normal. The charge for a vendor meal is not the same price as for a guest. I think our ppp is around $110/pp, and vendor meals are about $50/each. We are paying for the photographers and the DJ, and if we end up getting a photobooth, the company we’re looking at actually includes the fact you have to pay for their vendor meal in the contract! (that one we were kinda iffy about because we would only be having the photobooth for 4 hours, so that seemed kinda strange to us)
Member@Sadiepoo: Yes, it is normal to charge for vendor meals and it is usually at a discounted cost compared to the cost of a regular guest meal. If you’re concerned about no-shows, contact your vendor ahead of time to let them know you’re providing meals and would like to know if everyone will partake. Some people might have dietary restrictions and prefer to bring their own meal or go out for food on a break, so this at least gives your vendor notice that a) you’re making the effort and b) you need a headcount. Hope this works for you. We had not problems with this approach.
Member@Sadiepoo: PLEASE feed your vendors. They’ll be working so hard to make your day perfect and they’ll likely be tired and hungry. Don’t cheap out, get them the same meal as your regualr guests.
MemberAgree with all the PPs – yes you should feed them, and often you get their meals at a discounted cost.
If you want a good product, I’d make sure your vendors feel valued too. Sub-par treatment might mean sub-par work for you. Just something to think about!
MemberI paid for vendor meals for my wedding coordinator, my photographers (3) and my DJ. Vendor meals are usually slightly cheaper than the guests meals (but still good food to last them through the night..hot meals, not sandwiches). Please feed them..they work hard on that day for long hours and that’s the least you can do.
MemberWe are providing regular meals for our vendors. Most of them have it written into their contracts now based on previous awful experiences. Even if it wasn’t in the contract it just seems like the decent thing to do. They are working hard to make your wedding day everything you dreamed… don’t you think you could at least feed them dinner?
MemberIm willing to bet its in their contracts. My photog’s contract actually specified it had to be a hot meal, because a lot of venues try to give the vendors sandwiches.
ETA: If I was a DJ and was not given a meal, I’d start playing the worst party-killing music for the rest of the night 🙂
Member@Sadiepoo: My DJ has it specified in his contract, otherwise he charges $55, which is more expensive than the plated meal I’ll have for him. I’m assuming I’ll have to provide for my photographer and assistant, day of coordinator and her assistant, too. I’m going to confirm this with them all, then have a small table for them off to the side.
MemberYes, you should absolutely provide your vendors with a meal (only if they are there for the majority of the day) – so my Officiant, photographers and DJs got a meal. They’re human and get hungry too!
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