Feeding Vendors

KMck27

Obviously the vendors need to eat...

We are having a sit down dinner, so they can't just grab something from a buffet...so do we offer the vendors the same choices we offered our guest?  Or do we just order the cheapest item for each?

lyndausvi

We gave our vendors the same meal we gave our guests (also a sit-down).   Just like your guests, there might be some food restrictions.  I would double check with them before I order something they can't eat.  

KMck27

We offered our guests 3 different options..Chicken Margarita, Stuffed Flounder & Filet. So offer all 3 or, just ask if they have any allergies and give them the chicken which would be the cheapest option (but Amazing!)

MrsGandthebeag

Ask your venue.  Some places will give the same meal choices as your guests, some give cheaper meal options.  

KMck27

Ok Thank you!!

ericaandtom2012

We're feeding our vendors the chicken dish.  I asked all of them to make sure they don't have any food allergies or dietary needs (like vegetarian or vegan).  I know my venue has "vendor meals" that are a bit cheaper, but since they'll be seated with guests, I thought it'd be weird for them to have crappier meals while sitting with guests.  We will not have to pay full price since they won't be drinking.

crash2729

I offered my vendors the same option I gave my guests. They may not have allergies, but they may have a preference other than chicken.

JoanE2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:660d263b-dd43-4a28-b75d-2734fd94bd3d">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]We're feeding our vendors the chicken dish.  I asked all of them to make sure they don't have any food allergies or dietary needs (like vegetarian or vegan).  I know my venue has "<strong>vendor meals" that are a bit cheaper, but since they'll be seated with guests, I thought it'd be weird for them to have crappier meals while sitting with guests.</strong>  We will not have to pay full price since they won't be drinking.
Posted by ericaandtom2012[/QUOTE]

A vendor meal at my venue means the same meal, just cheaper.  And it's cheaper because they're not a regular guest that will be drinking.  What crappy meal do they serve for the vendor price?

banana468

Our vendors ate what we ate.   

We offered them a choice and they opted for the chicken or pasta.

banana468

Some vendor meals are clearly a class lower than what the other guests are served.   IMO, it's really rude to serve your guests a lovely steak dinner while the vendors are fed cold turkey clubs.

banana468

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:3d96246e-3da5-4e16-b22c-7b23c334bca0">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know that any "vendor meals" are sandwichs.  I do suspect that they are generally the cheapest entree (chicken or fish), but one that some guests do eat. 
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]

Our DJ specifically said that he has been fed cold sandwiches as his vendor meal at other weddings.  

Upon finding that out I confirmed that our vendors would be fed a hot meal that we were offering to guests.

crash2729

In Response to Re:Feeding Vendors:[QUOTE]I don't know that any quot;vendor mealsquot; are sandwichs.nbsp; I do suspect that they are generally the cheapest entree chicken or fish, but one that some guests do eat.nbsp; Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]
Some venues do.
I even think giving them a smaller portion is kind of rude, they'll be sitting next to someone with a regular portion most likely.

achiduck

Ask your venue about vendor meals. Ours didn't have them so we gave our vendors the same choices as our guests (chicken supreme, prime rib or pasta primavera).

Ali092011

Our venue charged us the same amount for vendors as they did guests. We had a table set up for the four of them (the DJ, two photographers, and a videographer), and they got up and took whatever they wanted (besides alcohol obviously) once the guests had gotten their dinners. We had stations similar to a buffet-type style. I would have been embarrassed to offer them anything other than what everyone else was eating.

I don't think it's right to give vendors smaller portions, cold food like subs while guests are eating steak and lobster, or fewer courses. If your vendors are true professionals, they are fully capable of balancing their need to eat with getting their job done. My vendors managed to eat and perform their jobs. I know that if they had to choose between finishing their salads and capturing an important moment, they would do what they were hired to do.

KellyBrian2013

Neither of our vendors, photographer or DJ, required meals per their contract. However, it's the courteous and right thing to do to feed them, so we did. Our venue did not offer vendor meals. We gave our vendors the same options as our guests, chicken marsala or a vegetarian pasta dish. Our DJ chose the chicken while or photographer chose the veggie option. Both told me how wonderful it was not only to be fed, but for it to be a full, hot meal.

gailpete

We offered the vendors the same choices as the guests.  Our DJ said he would be eating at his station and preferred a sandwich, so that is what he got.

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:31778559-26c4-4488-baf5-023c8658cc9d">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]Crash, my venue puts the vendors at a table in the cocktail area (that has been cleaned, new linens).  They do not sit with guests.  <strong>I do not think they should</strong>
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]
Well, it sounds like the OP's vendors might be sitting in the same area with guests.<div>
</div><div>Why don't you think vendors should sit with guests? </div><div>They may be working but they aren't second class citizens or anything.</div>

lyndausvi

We had a duo plate of filet and crabcake (and a veggie option).  One photographer is allergic to crab so they got 2 filets.  The other one wanted only crab, so they got 2.  The DJ had the duo.

We also had a very strong tropical storm hit and 2 guys from the tent company had to give up their Saturday and hang out to make sure the tent was fine.  We told the venue to give them anything they wanted.   In additional to that, my friends tipped the guys.  They told us we could hire them anytime we have a party.

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:99f32eaf-e368-45aa-ac14-b6e0ea60daef">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]I dont think vendors should sit with guests, because they are not guests.  My wedding is a private affair.  Vendors are not guests.   They should be provided with comfortable seats for break, etc.   <strong>What type of meals do you get if you have to work through meal time?</strong>
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]
If I had to stay at my office through meal time, they'd bring me whatever I wanted within reason.<div>
</div><div>My vendors had their own table in the ballroom they sat together and with a few other guests (who knew a couple of vendors). I personally don't see anything wrong with it because again, they're working but they deserve (in my opinion) to be treated just like anyone else who was there. </div><div><div><div>
</div><div>
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lyndausvi

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:712e9214-83b3-4522-92b0-b73577b132c7">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Feeding Vendors : Well, it sounds like the OP's vendors might be sitting in the same area with guests. Why don't you think vendors should sit with guests?  They may be working but they aren't second class citizens or anything.
Posted by crash2729[/QUOTE]

<div>Actually, when I worked weddings I didn't want to sit with the guests. Mostly because sitting the guest meant I was still "on" and not on break.</div><div>
</div><div>Our DJ ate at his DJ table.   The photographers took turns and ate at one of the cocktail tables.  They had the option of eating anywhere, they said that was the best place so they didn't miss anything.</div><div>
</div><div>ETA - if I knew people at the wedding it would be different.</div>

DramaGeek

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:99f32eaf-e368-45aa-ac14-b6e0ea60daef">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]I dont think vendors should sit with guests, because they are not guests.  My wedding is a private affair.  Vendors are not guests.   They should be provided with comfortable seats for break, etc.   What type of meals do you get if you have to work through meal time?
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]

<div>Trust me, just because a vendor is eating with a guest doesn't mean they feel like a guest or think they should be treated as one.</div><div>
</div><div>ETA - for some vendors, eating away from the guests (meaning a different room, which I assume you meant when you said they'd eat in the cocktail area) would mean they couldn't do their job while eating.</div>

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:e59a8b38-9efb-4d4d-be75-a4695c102f64">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Feeding Vendors : Actually, when I worked weddings I didn't want to sit with the guests. Mostly because sitting the guest meant I was still "on" and not on break. Our DJ ate at his DJ table.   The photographers took turns and ate at one of the cocktail tables.  They had the option of eating anywhere, they said that was the best place so they didn't miss anything.
Posted by lyndausvi[/QUOTE]
I was actually about to ETA. <div>
</div><div>I'm not saying that I think it's rude to put vendors in a different place. I just think it's odd to say "They shouldn't be sitting with guests". </div><div>
</div><div>My photographers actually wanted to be out with guests that way they could catch anything if it happened and I only hired the videographer a week before the wedding so I put him with them since I would have felt weird putting him off by himself. </div>

lyndausvi

NYU - IME servers get fed through the caterer.  I've never worked a server job and NOT been fed. 

   Photographers especially tend to work 8-10 hour shifts.   Taking a "meal" break is not possible without missing something.    Most places do not allow "outside" food so brining their own is not an option.  Running out  or if your venue happens to have a restaurant is not normally a practical option either.

KellyBrian2013

In Response to Re:Feeding Vendors:[QUOTE]I think I work in a really nice office, but I do not get steak or lobster if I work through dinner.nbsp; I think many wedding dinners are really above and beyond a normal "work" dinner.Do you think all the servers should get the same meal?nbsp; Arent they there?
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]
I worked at a car dealership, and my GM regularly purchased dinner for us including steaks... and if he hosted a nice meal for meetings with the auto group's owner, ALL of the dealership employees were allowed to partake in that food as well.
Oh, and FWIW, my vendors DID have their own table in the reception area. Albeit without a centerpiece, but a table and chairs none the less.

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:16b1cce3-9441-40f1-87a4-1c60d2d4abe6">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Feeding Vendors : I think I work in a really nice office, but I do not get steak or lobster if I work through dinner.  I think many wedding dinners are really above and beyond a normal "work" dinner. <strong>Do you think all the servers should get the same meal?  Arent they there?</strong>
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]<div><div>In most cases, most vendors (photog, videographer) have been there since hours before the wedding began. Servers have not....besides if there are extra meals I'm willing to bet they eat them (at least at my wedding.)</div></div>

DramaGeek

From what I've seen here, people who do assigned tables generally have a vendor table. No one is my circle does assigned tables but everyone reserves a space for the vendors to use as their "home base."

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:ef51119c-804c-4517-8f84-982a8aab7ab6">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]My venue suggests that the vendors be given a table just off of the main room, in the cocktail area.  <strong>I note that some of the people responding here are vendors, so that to me is a bit of a conflict of interest.</strong>  I see no problem with providing "vendor" meals to vendors.  Of course, they get chairs and a table.
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]
WTF are you talking about?

lyndausvi

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:7c4e606f-c03c-420b-8740-bf4bc3cc6271">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Feeding Vendors : WTF are you talking about?
Posted by crash2729[/QUOTE]

<div>I was wondering the same thing.</div><div>
</div><div>
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KellyBrian2013

In Response to Re:Feeding Vendors:[QUOTE]My venue suggests that the vendors be given a table just off of the main room, in the cocktail area.nbsp; I note that some of the people responding here are vendors, so that to me is a bit of a conflict of interest.nbsp; I see no problem with providing quot;vendorquot; meals to vendors.nbsp; Of course, they get chairs and a table. Posted by
NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]

Who here is a vendor? I must have glanced past those admissions. Not to mention that I fail to see how it's "a conflict of interest" for people, even if they are vendors, to advocate for providing meals and a seat for vendors at their wedding... it's what being a gracious host is about, whether you are paying someone or not. My DJ spent 10 hours at my venue... you better damn well believe he was getting his own seat and a full meal.

crash2729

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:2b976ae4-9db8-4abb-a45e-2282e6307e7d">Re:Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Feeding Vendors: Who here is a vendor? I must have glanced past those admissions. Not to mention that I fail to see how it's "a conflict of interest" for people, even if they are vendors, to advocate for providing meals and a seat for vendors at their wedding... <strong>it's what being a gracious host is about, whether you are paying someone or not. My DJ spent 10 hours at my venue... you better damn well believe he was getting his own seat and a full meal.</strong>
Posted by KellyBrian2013[/QUOTE]
You just said what I've been trying to say...except you said it so much better. <div>
</div>

JoanE2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_feeding-vendors-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:53c879a2-1f08-4805-8578-a5d678a80955Post:12144262-81c9-4b48-8438-a90231f15aba">Re: Feeding Vendors</a>:
[QUOTE]Joan, wow, I would not assume that vendor meal is "cr@ppy"   At my venue, it is cheaper as there is only one course (less servers needed).  They do not have as much time to eat.  They get nice food, but not a seperate appetizer and slightly smaller portions. 
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]

I would never assume a vendor meal is crappy.  I was quoting a previous poster who said that she didn't want to server her vendors the "crappier vendor option" and asking her what this "crappy" option was that she described.