Confused about where to seat/what to feed non-guests (photographer, band, etc.)

mariakhristine

Not sure where to post this (here or food or reception), but I'm not entirely sure what to do with the people helping with our wedding (the photographer, the band musicians, etc.).

Do they typically get their own table? Is it rude to put all the people we're paying at the same table? I don't want it to look like a "this is the service" table.

And should they get the same meals as our guests? I've heard of some people who order different meals for the musicians and photographers, so I'm not sure if that's what is expected/normal.

I just don't know what they do during the dinner or where they will be sitting, and I want to make sure I'm not left trying to figure that out on the day of the wedding. Thanks for your help!

Kate61487

Ditto Lia.

Many venues offer a vendor meal.  Sometimes it's the same food and just costs you less (probably because they won't be drinking) other times it's a sandwich.  As long as you're feeding them you're good.  We gave our photographer and DJ seats at a guest table; I don't think either of them actually went to their seats. 

staar987

I asked my vendors where they would like to sit. If they wanted to stay in the room or get away for awhile. Both of them wanted to get away and not sit with guests or in the same room. They also ate what we were serving guests. Our venue was not a traditional wedding location so they didn't have a different meal option.

Talk to your venue about all of this. They have a plan for these things. Mine had places that they could go that they could be alone and relax for a bit.

Jen4948

I don't think it's rude to put vendors in another room or offer them a meal of less quality (as long as it was of good quality) than guests, but I'd talk to your vendors and your venue to see what solutions you can come up with that work for as many people as possible.

erinlin25

My venue offers a vendor meal (and every vendor I booked commented how good the vendor meal is haha).  They seem to enjoy just having a break and sit out in the veranda area from what I gathered from both my venue and vendors experience.

andy0107

  As a retired wedding videographer, I can speak to you from the other side of the proverbial Reception table.  Here's a few things to keep in mind when making your decision about where to seat theses folks:

  1. These people are your Wedding Day Team.  Especially your planner, your photographer and your videographer. Quite often, they are with you from the early morning to late in the evening.
  They experience nearly every aspect of your wedding day - and are there to support you - quite often going above and beyond to help your wedding day go smoothly.
  You may not know it, but these three Team Mates are working harder than most anyone else at the wedding, easily putting in a 10-12 hour work day.  A lot of what they do, you will never see.  But through it all, they're there supporting you.

  2. You're paying these Professionals to be a part of, and to capture your once in a lifetime special moments.  Believe it or not, more special moments will happen at your reception than any other time of the day.
  Often, there are incredibly emotional impromptu speeches, unplanned dances, and cute kids moments that you will want captured on film.  Where do you want your Team?  Away from the activities sequestered in another room, or where the activity is, at a table where they have easy access to the activities?  Remember, quite often, seconds count to get the shot.

  3. Often times, these three Team Mates are so busy during your wedding day, they usually miss at least one of their meals.  Frankly, its going to be important for you to make sure they get a good meal inside of them, so they can make it through the day and do a great job for you.

  4. This issue may already be covered in the vendor's contract.  Check your contract first.

  5. I have had "vendor's meals" before.  Usually, they fall way short of being considered a "real" meal.  Trust me when I say you're better off NOT insulting your Team Mates with a crappy meal, compared to treating them with care and compassion by giving them the same meal everyone else is receiving.  Besides, you don't really want grumpy and hungry Team Mates, do you?

  6. You may also run into the issue of wanting the Team Mate to do something extra for you - you know, for free.  Which vendor do you think will be easier to persuade, the one with the empty tummy, or the one with the delightfully filled tummy?

  7. Remember, for these Team Mates, your relationship with them doesn't end after the reception.  The videographer has 30-40 hours of editing left to do, and the photographer, while to a somewhat lesser degree, still has a lot of work to do for you as well while creating your beautiful photographs.

  In the end, you might want to ask yourself these questions:

• Do you want your Team Mates working on your post-wedding video/photographs with the memory of an empty stomach or a crappy meal, and being made to feel second class?
• Or do you want them working on your projects with the memory of how wonderfully you treated them?

  In all of my years of shooting weddings, only twice did I find myself eating a meal other than what the other guests were eating.

  Each time, the bride's mom came by, saw where we were seated and what we were eating, became very embarrassed and made sure we were immediately taken better care of.

  Don't leave this decision up to the reception venue - they don't have a vested interest in your relationship with your Team Mates.  You need to be focused on the reciprocal relationship with your Team Mates to help things go smoothly.

Andrew
 

winelover123

My FI used to work at a wedding venue. It was always a nice surprise when he got what the guests were having (and it made me jealous. Lobster and steak? Awesome!). We'll probably just give our vendors the food that our guests are eating. Haven't thought of where they'll sit though.......good question!

artbyallie

Andy, while you're correct and you obviously mean well, you come off a little condescending by posting all of that as your very first post.

rintin10

What is one or two extra meals at the regular price? Im sure many vendors would be ok with a "vendor meal" but for an extra $15-$20 or so a plate for your vendors, with what you are paying for the whole day in mind, what would an extra $100 or less for properly feeding all your vendors really be? Where to sit them to eat, Im not sure...maybe a table near the back or ask your reception where they typically seat vendors.

mariakhristine

Thanks for the input, everyone. We will be talking to our vendors to see what they would prefer, and check in with the venue. (Such obvious answers that I'm hitting my forehead for not even thinking of it myself!)

And yes, an extra $100 would not be a big deal, but since we will have about 10 extra heads to feed, that comes to another $800-$1000 just for food, plus possible additional tables, chairs, centerpieces, etc., so it does end up being a pretty hefty cost (on top of what we already are paying them for the services). Not trying to sound cheap or unappreciative, but like everyone, we are always looking for ways to save money but still be polite and welcoming to everyone at the wedding.

Thanks again! I feel a lot less worried than I did when I first posted.