Head count including photographer and DJ?

leanneleggett · January 2011

I'm just wondering about my head count for my caterer. I'm having an outdoor wedding in my backyard with 65 people. I'm ordering everything in, tables, dishes - everything! I'm wondering if I need to include my photographer and DJ into my final head count for the caterer? I plan on feeding them, but we're having a southern style buffet-instead of a formal sit down dinner. My caterer says they guarantee leftovers. My cost for the caterer is $45 dollars a head...
Please let me know what you think!

LauraT25 · January 2011

Call your caterer and ask if they offer a discounted price for vendors. Even though it's a buffet, they might since it's pretty common for plated meals, and your vendors will likely not eat as much since they'll be working.

I wouldn't just leave them out of the headcount unless your caterer tells you it's ok. They may actually keep track and tack on an extra fee if two extra people grab a plate, leftovers or no. Besides, it's just kind of sneaky - they are getting food, so it's really not that different than you trying to sneak two regular guests by the caterer.