Hi,
I'm working on my dinner seating chart for the reception, and am having a hard time trying to figure out where to place everybody (a common issue, I imagine). One thing I'm trying to figure out: I know our dj and wedding photographer are expecting a meal as well, and I'm not quite sure where to put them. Is it ok to put them at a table with friends and/or family? I'm having a small wedding (80-90 people), so this is pretty hard. I don't want any other guests to feel like they got "stuck with the dj".
Also, what is the standard gratuity for the vendors? 15%? 20%?
Thanks so much!
Re: Seating Chart - DJ's, Photographer, etc.
He'll still be playing songs during dinner, right? So he should probably be close to his equipment.
If you don't mind serving them meals, I'd provide them a separate table of their own.
I honestly can't even tell you where my photog or DJ were during dinner but I know that they ate.
Yes, it is in their contracts to serve them each a meal, but it makes sense to have them close to their equipment, since they'll still be playing music during dinner. I will check with the venue to see what they've done in the past, and if there is a suitable spot for them to eat their meals. Thanks ladies for the advice!!
As for vendor tips, check your contract to see if its included. Many venues or caterers will already have this added into your contract. In general, if they own the business, you don't have to tip unless you feel they went above and beyond. Any assistant to a business owner should be tipped. You can tip at your descretion. The only standard percentage for vendors should be for the servers for the venue/caterer.
The DJ will eat at his booth.
June 2012 Bride!