Wedding Etiquette Forum

Photographers/Meals

Hi there,

This may seem like a silly question, but I've never gotten married before, so how would I know? :P

I do not want my photographers to go hungry... does that mean I have to include them in my head count for the caterer?  Or do caterers typically include a few extra meals for the photographer/DJ etc. in wedding packages? 

I don't want to pay for extra heads since my meals also include open bar access... obviously (well.. hopefully) the professionals I hire will not be drinking on the job.
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Re: Photographers/Meals

  • There are normally vendor meals available for your photographer, coordinator, videographer, dj, etc.
  • My caterer does 5 complimentary meals for vendors (so nice), so you might want to ask if they'll do anything like that. Otherwise, if the vendor is staying through the dinner hour then yes, you need to feed them and factor that number into your final guest count for the caterer.
    Anniversary
  • I would definitely talk to your caterer. They ususally have separate meals for your vendors. You also might want to check the contracts you signed with you vendors. There might be a meal clause in there somewhere.
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  • You need to let them have a regular meal, as well. Don't give them a sandwich and chips while everyone else is having filet or chicken. Preferably they would have a chair at a table - you could put all the vendors there, and when they had a chance to, they could sit down and eat.
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  • Thanks so much everyone!  Yes, I definitely want them to have a proper sit down meal, so I will talk to my caterer.

    On the same note... do I include myself and the groom in the head count? 
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  • DEFINITELY make sure your vendors are counted for food! I've worked as a wedding photographer and it is EXHAUSTING, especially if you've already been working for 4 hours before dinner and will be staying till late into the reception.

    The last wedding I went to they gave me a seat at one of the tables with their other guests...I thought that was a little weird, but if you had a table just for vendors that would be nice and appropriate..
    image
  • My venue offers a separate vendor meal (most likely a sandwich and chips).  However, I have gone through some friends to get my DJ and photographer, and therefore they have given me amazing prices.  I plan on just including them in my headcount.

    I'm pretty sure the bride and groom are typically included in the headcount.  But, maybe by chance your venue gives you the wedding gift of free food (and drinks) so definitely check!

  • Yes, you absolutely need to provide a meal to your vendors that will be working through a meal time.  Ask your venue/caterer about their options. 

    Mine offered the same entree as our guests for half price (the pp price for guests included the cake, drinks, champagne toast, etc, which the vendors will obviously not be partaking in) or a boxed sandwich/chips meal.  We contacted our vendors for their meal preferences and surprisingly, they all opted for the sandwich.  We also asked them where they prefered to eat and they all said they normally just sit down somewhere away from the guests and eat as quickly as they can, so we didn't need to make any special arrangements.
    Anniversary
  • Our photog contract specifies a "hot meal."  Check with your vendors to see what they require.  If they don't specify, you should still provide something.

    Your caterer may have reduced cost vendor meals.  Ask.

    Your caterer will need to know how much food to make.  So if you and your FI want to eat, yes, include yourselves in the count.  Ditto any vendors you're feeding, although these might be a separate list, if there's different pricing involved.
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_photographersmeals?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:cfe0d0aa-67a3-4f48-b72e-defe904f326cPost:56575890-3822-4bb1-a2ca-8b1bc93cd29f">Re: Photographers/Meals</a>:
    [QUOTE]Our photog contract specifies a "hot meal."  Check with your vendors to see what they require.  If they don't specify, you should still provide something. Your caterer may have reduced cost vendor meals.  Ask. Your caterer will need to know how much food to make.  So if you and your FI want to eat, yes, include yourselves in the count.  Ditto any vendors you're feeding, although these might be a separate list, if there's different pricing involved.
    Posted by RaptorSLH[/QUOTE]
    Ditto this. My caterer offers vendor meals at 1/2 price. I have to give them a count of guests (including us), vendors & children. Kids are also 1/2 price. <div>
    </div><div>Also talk to your vendors about any dietary restrictions. My photographer is vegetarian & his assistant is vegan, so he kindly asked that we mention that to the caterer. Turns out it's no big deal since I'm vegan too! There will be plenty for them to eat. </div>
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