Feeding vendors?

CharlotteC88

Hi ladies!I was wondering if I should include my vendors (like DJ, Photographer, officiant, etc) in my headcount for my catering.  I asked my catering company tonight and they said most people don't usually plan to feed the vendors (or offer leftovers if there are any...or box meals).What do you think?  I don't want to be rude and not offer food, but then again the vendors are there to be working, not to eat.

amyers321

We are planning to feed the photographer, our day of, and our dj. All other vendors will not be there for the reception as far as we have figured(cake being delivered, officiant only there for ceremony, etc.) I figured I wanted them all fed well. Just my 2 cents.

SarahSmile23

i think that "vendor meals" are somewhat common. they are less expensive than regular meals. the vendors aren't fed at tables with your other guests if you don't want them to be. they can run in the back and grab a bite! i would definitely want to provide some sort of food for the vendors so nobody gets tired and passes out! good luck!

skhynes

I can't believe your catering company told you not to feed your vendors!  It's definitely rude not to feed them.  Most places will offer discounted vendor meals.  Just think of your photographer who will most likely be with you for 4-6 hours at least.  They definitely deserve a meal!  I fed my DJ, photographer, second shooter, and videographer.

bluepoet2007

Ditto pp. We are also feeding (some) vendors who will be around for the reception. I've heard that some even specify in contracts whether or not they require a meal or snack, but since nothing was in ours, I asked them. Some said yes to food, and some politely declined....but I couldn't see asking these people to work for hours, especially during OUR dinner, and not feed them! Do your contracts specify anything about vendor meals? That may be a good starting point for making a decision. HTH

katdec

When I asked this to my caterer she told me 4 vendors would be able to eat at no additional cost to me, once all the guests had eaten. Works out good because that will be the DJ, photographer, DOC and DOC asst.

AlexiaANDRobert

I fed my DJ, photographer, second shooter, and videographer.The way this is worded makes me laugh.  It's like I fed my dog, cat and gerbil j/kI agree with PPs, your vendors should be served some sort of meal!  Think about the amount of time they're with you!  I will have dinners for my DOC, Photogs, DJ and anyone else that ends up being there during the reception.I'm VERY surprised your caterer said this.

John and Charisma <3

Vendor meals are very common. We fed our DOC and her assistant, our photographer and her assistant, our dj, and our videographer. My uncle was our officiant as well as a guest so he ate at the reception. We did not feed the florist or cake deliverer because they were not there at dinner time. HTH!

AileeneG

I would say definitely feed them! Especially like your photographer and coordinators, who will not have a chance to run out and get something to eat since they will be following you around all day.

ucfjen8

Our hotel is charging $25 for each vendor meal. That seems a little high--especially since you are probably going to feed an average of 4 people. Has anyone done/concerned bringing in food? Would that be weird and look cheap?

SarahSmile23

You will probably get different opinions on that, but if i was a vendor i wouldn't be upset. I'd be satisfied with a Publix sub ring, chips, and soda (or something.) As long as you are feeding them I think you are in the clear. I might be in the minority with this, though.

skWhitneyAmanda

I fed everybody who worked the reception and they weren't included in the official headcount. My venue took care of their meals and asked for a specific vendor meal count.

CharlotteC88

Wow!!  I was busy the last couple of days so I am just reading all the responses now...thanks for the tips!  And yeah, my gut told me that didn't feel right so I think I'll be providing vendor meals.  I agree that it would be kind of rude not to feed them.  Glad to see all the posts...hopefully this will help other girls out there too.