Do I include vendor meals in the final headcount?

Yes, but make sure to tell the caterer that X meals are for vendors. Oftentimes there is a reduced rate for the vendor meal, so make it clear X out of XX meals are for vendors. Thank you for feeding your vendors!

Most of that should be included in your contract. If you aren't sure ask the vendors, then let your caterer know you have x amount of vendors. Some caterers have discounted plates for vendors, not all.

Ask them, then tell your caterer you need that many vendor meals and possibly vendor seating. The pricing may be less and they will probably not want to be seated with guests.

My venue doesn't count them towards the head count but, they get the same meal at a discount price so we just have to let the venue know how many. Same with kids.

We had to give a total count and then a breakdown of that number. So I think we had 248 total, which broke down to 233 adults 21+, 10 adults under 21, 4 vendors and 1 child.

Our caterer told us not to include them, and will feed them regardless. It may be different since we're doing a buffet - but she told us not to include them in the count and she would make sure they got fed.

That's a question for your caterer. I asked my event coordinator lady and since my meal is served family style at each table, not to Include them in my "count" since they won't be at a table with food. But to instead have them order their own meal off of the regular menu and have them added to my tab.

Our vendors are being fed meals like everyone else, but they do not count towards our final head count. If for some reason I come in under my minimum guarantee of people, they will include them as part of the final headcount.

Yes

Our caterer required the vendors in the normal headcount - unfortunately they are not discounted. Womp womp. lol

This depends on your caterer and venue. My venue discounts the meals so while I have to provide the count at the same time as my guest headcount, it's separate.