Are we supposed to feed vendors?

Our Event Agreement reads that the client must provide or give access to water, but a meal is not require (however it is appreciated). It turns out that for DJs, by the time they feed us anyway, the dancing has already begun and there is no time to eat. I always eat on the way to the wedding and directly after!

I'm providing meals for the vendors. My Wedding Planner advised that it was appropriate.

It's pretty normal for at least the photographer and the DJ, as well as perhaps a videographer if you have one, to be fed. As the photographer, I'm with the wedding for anywhere from 6-12 hours and I would likely pass out without a meal break...besides, a meal break is required by law in most places, I think. I don't require the same food as guests - a simple vendor meal is fine with me - and I do appreciate access to water throughout the day. As others have said, we're on our feet a lot and we can easily get dehydrated, especially on a hot day.

As for where to seat them - typically the venue creates a little table for us near, but not in, the reception room, so that we are close enough if we need to be found, but not seated with the guests. From time to time we do get seated with guests, but that's kind of awkward for both the vendors and the guests.

Oh, and about the alcohol question...there is NO WAY I would ever be drinking on the job, no matter how kindly it was offered. Others may think differently, but I don't know a single vendor who would drink while working. It just opens up a big can of worms. Thanks for the offer, but have non-alcoholic beverages for us instead!