Advice Needed

crystal_2307

Hello ladies,Well two things that I need advice on.... first one is our favors. We are having a candy buffet, but is this enough for a favor? I have bought 50lbs of candy, we are having 142 people. Is that enough and what if people don't get a candy bag...should we get something else as a favor as well? Also, vendor meals. Only my photographer states in the contract that they require vendor meals. Since we are already over budget, I don't know how to go about this. Should I only get meals for vendors that state in their contract as such?Help!!Thank you!

HOLSTANG

Well, the candy, I'm not sure about. I would average like 1/4 lb. per person, but some will take more, and some will take less. Just make sure you have more than what you think you will need so you won't run out. As for the vendors, personally I would provide meals to all of them. You can't afford to piss people off that are working hard to make your wedding day special. And you don't want them cranky and tired because they haven't eaten. You should really budget this in for everyone. HTH!

bostontoLA

I am not sure about the amount of candy you will need, but definitely the candy buffet is enough for a favor.  We had a meal for our photographers, DOC and DJ.  The DJ didn't have it in the contract, but I don't know how else he could have eaten if we didn't provide a meal. 

SweetTpie

The Favors you can do with out.  No one really goes to a wedding thinking about what kind of favor they're going to get.  Usually end up getting something we don't want or won't use anyways.  Candy is a good idea.  a tasty treat that your guest will like. I'm not having a candy buffet, but I am giving Jordan Almonds in decorative boxes.  Something sweet and simple.  If a particular Vendor does not stipulate they need a meal in their contrat, they probably assume you're going to feed them....if you don't want them to leave to go get food.If they're only there for a few hours (less than 4) they don't need a meal, but most will have to eat at some point.   Any job (labor law) requires a break after 4 hours.Your Venue might offer "Vendor Meals" at lower rate, but double check your contract.  My DJ's contract says they must receive the same hot meal as the guests and their own table to sit and eat (if they're over 4hr, and they are there for 6)  so they're included in our meal count.

julybm08

The candy buffet is definitely enough. Most other favors go in the trash anyone so it'd be a waste of money. If you doubt whether your guests will see it as a favor or not you can put a sign that says "As a favor of thanks please fill a bag with candy" or soemthing to that matter. We only did candy for our wedding and it was a huge hit and more than enough. I recommend buying dinners for any vendor that is working through your reception. We bought our photogs dinner but not our ceremony music because he left after the 1st 30 minutes of the reception.

Soon2B Mrs.V

We filled pill boxes with mints in addition to our candy buffet (we had chinese takeout boxes from Smart & Final that I decorated and were placed next to the buffet. I made extra, but we had plenty leftover. Some people won't want candy, therefore, won't take a box. No one took an extra box from what we could tell. You could put the bag/box at each place setting to make sure everyone will get a favor container to fill. The amount of candy you buy depends on how big your boxes/bags are. Ours were pint size, and I thought they were perfect. Most people say to buy 1/2 pound candy per person. I developed a disease that every time I found pink or green candy, I just had to buy it. I ended up purchasing about 160 bags of candy... needless to say, we had tons leftover, so if you need any candy I do have quite a bit for sale in my bio. Ask your vendors if they would like a meal. Our dj said it wasn't worth the money to spend on a meal for him since he really wouldn't enjoy it, so we just gave him an extra tip at the end of the night.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Favors are not required. They are usually cheap junk that people throw out anyway.I've seen vendor meals as low as $25/meal. If you can't do that, see if there's some kind of "break room" where you can maybe set up some boxed meals or subway sandwiches for your vendors in case they want to get away for a few minutes.

Summer0fStars

We did a candy buffet but we had a bit more candy than you do so far.  Our guests loved it and it was enough of a favor for them. We provided meals for all vendors that were staying through the reception.  For our wedding that included our photographer, DOC + assistant, and videographer + assistant. They all loved us for it and I firmly believe that providing your vendors with some sort of meal is a great way to please them and keep them going!  Hope that helps!

thecheshirekat

Ask your vendors if they want a meal!  I checked with mine to make sure, and the DJ and his assistant and our cocktail hour musicians declined while the photographer and videographer accepted.  I made up little snack bags for the vendors who said they didn't need a meal - just put together some of the extras from my out-of-town bags, which cost next to nothing, and they seemed to appreciate the gesture.

verdes

Favors- I've heard the same thing that Holstang mentioned, 1/4 lb per person and like others mentioned, favors are not required.Vendor meals- We are feeding our vendors (DJ, Photog, videograher) our venue provides vendor meals at a discount. Like sweetTpie mentioned vendors that don't require it in their contract may not have it because they assume you will feed them, our photographer told us he had to put it in the contract after working a 12 hour wedding & never receiving any type of food- bad way to treat people who are there to capture your event. Liek Soon2BMrsV mentioned, you can ask your vendors about it and if they dont want a whole meal, you can give them a tip or maybe some snacks.

[Deleted User]

50 lbs for 142 people seems a little light to me.  Keep in mind some of your guests will see the candy buffet and raid it--although it depends on your demographics.  Always ask your vendors when they will be taking a break and if they would like a meal.  They are working for you and you are required by law to give them breaks. Providing a meal is being gracious on your part.  But asking is even better, never assume. Some of your vendors will say no because they prefer a tip to food.