Including vendors as guests?

hadams85

I have a question in regards to the vendors (photographer, officiant, DJ) and eating. Are we suppose to include them in our guest list or not? I'm not sure how to include them in with the meal, I haven't asked yet the lady helping me at our venue, thought I'd get your ideas?

Thanks!! 

Hannah

Syndelin

It depends mostly on your venue I think.  Some of them have specific vendor meals (from what I've heard, normally is like a boxed meal thing), some just have cheaper meal options for them.

We are including our vendors as guests, and seating them with our guests as well.  There's a few reasons for that though...  we have a food and drink minimum that we are going to be struggling to meet anyway, so we might as well give them good food.  Another is that I really love our photographers, so I am happier if they feel welcomed and included just as much as our guests are.  I gave them the same meal options and choices.

Also, for the seating, I want them out in the action, so to speak...  if something happens, they can always grab their cameras and jump up and capture it if need be.  I'm also hoping that makes them feel less rushed to have to sit and eat quicker than some people would be comfortable doing. 

I don't want them to feel like they have to huddle in the kitchen or a corner and scarf down their food in 5 minutes.

You can also talk to the vendors that you will be feeding and get their input on it. We really only are feeding the photographers and videographer, and our DJ.  I don't think anyone else will be there long enough to worry about it.

LyndseylovesHugh

With the exception of PP's situation where she needs to meet a minimum, your veunue will probably have vendor meals and feed them in a different area.  They will eat quickly while you and your guests are (usually) and that way they do not miss anything (you probably do not want a ton of pictures of guests with their mouths full).  Ask your venue, but chances are they have a special meal and are used to accomodating them.

Syndelin

My venue has that option too...  but minimum or not, I didn't want to use it.  I would much rather treat them as friends and make sure they're comfortable and have a good time, even if they are working.

I think everyone should treat their vendors as well as they can comfortable afford to though.  Just my opinion on it in general.