Vendor Tables

jess4xo3

What did you do or plan to do for your vendors at the reception? I orginally planned on having one table for all of them to sit at in the ballroom.  However, my reception hall said that they usually feed vendors in a separate room outside the main ballroom which gives them a true break from everything.  However, I don't want to come across as rude making them sit outside the ballroom especially since we know some of them personally.  What did everyone else do? And what do you think?

Shan1214

I didn't even think about this or plan for it.  At the reception I did see our vendors all eating in the room outside the reception room.  It was the same room as the cocktail hour room,  They all were eating together when the main course was being served.

sh228955

I have never seen a table for the vendors at a wedding.  I think it is the norm for them to eat outside of the ballroom.  I actually think they appreciate the real break from working outside of the main room.  If they are eating in the main ballroom, it is easy for guests to go up to them and make requests(i.e. grabbing the photographer for a picture etc.), so it takes away from it being a real break where they can enjoy their food.  I don't think you should worry about coming across as rude at all!

MCM1012

I've seen it both ways. However the norm is for them to usually eat in the cocktail hour space. I don't think it's rude at all.

rlavach

I've never seen vendors seated inside either. It's not rude to have them seated outside. My vendors were seated in the bar area, right outside the room. They're vendors, not guests. As long as they're not eating in their car or have no seats, it's fine. 

MCM1012

My cousin was one who seated them in the ballroom. The wedding wasn't in NJ (so maybe it's a regional thing?). Her point of view was mainly for the photographer. She didn't want him to be out of the room in case something happened, he could get up and take pictures.
I, on the other hand, would rather my photographer take the break. He'll be working hard enough. What's really going to happen when everyone else is eating?

jess4xo3

Thanks for the responses.  This is helpful.  I only questioned this because I went to a wedding once and was sitting with the vendors! Otherwise you are right, besides that I have never seen a vendor table in the ballroom.

rlavach

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_vendor-tables?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:480e228a-29fe-4f7b-9664-1e3f31cfe722Post:3bd71391-e2f1-41a4-aeb0-7aa19109f6cf">Re: Vendor Tables</a>:
[QUOTE]My cousin was one who seated them in the ballroom. The wedding wasn't in NJ (so maybe it's a regional thing?). Her point of view was mainly for the photographer. She didn't want him to be out of the room in case something happened, he could get up and take pictures. I, on the other hand, would rather my photographer take the break. He'll be working hard enough. What's really going to happen when everyone else is eating?
Posted by MCM1012[/QUOTE]
Truly, what goes on during dinner? That's when everyone is stuffing their face is looking the most NON-photogenic possible. Other than a big mishap (that you probably wouldn't want on film anyway), it's pretty boring. Our photog requested to make sure they were fed during the same time that way they were available after for when the dancing started.

HobokensFury

Ours were seated outside the room by the bar area. I've never seen them inside.