Do I need to assign seats for the vendors?

Yes have a vendor table.

I would guesss yes. They need a place to sit to eat quickly.

Ask your venue how they usually handle it. Mine has a separate room for them.

I'm not worrying about it. I'm going to have 1 or 2 open seats at each table. I'm expecting a lot of people to be wandering and mingling, so I assume my venders can just find a seat anywhere to eat quickly. Not being too fussy with it.

Ask your venue. Mind sets up a vendor area

I'm just having a vendor table.

Vendors SHOULD NEVER sit with guests unless they are personal friends of bride and groom~

Never thought about this!!! Hmm!

HI!! As a vendor, I am SUPER excited that you asked this Yes, it is always wonderful to have our own table (in the back of the room of course) that we can sit at for a few moments to scarf down the food . Usually we end up sitting in the floor of the hallway or something and it just isn't comfortable.

Though not required, a designated table will be MORE than appreciated .

And, make sure that your vendors eat the same time you do - especially the photographer and videographer. (You don't want pictures of you stuffing your face anyway )

Well, that was some mixed reactions, haha with some vendors included.

I shall ask the venue and see but additional opinions are welcome

I had the very same question when I did my seating chart!!

Definitely ask the venue. I assumed my vendors would sit at a table alongside my guests, and my wedding coordinator told me NOT to include them in my table count, as the venue designated an area for them!

All my vendors are hilarious. I would gladly let them sit with my guests, LOL, but there will be space for them to eat, ,with the exception of my DJ, who is a friend and a true guest.

Ask your venue. I've seen all different options. I've sat at a vendor table at the back of the room (my favorite option since I can watch what's happening and jump up with my camera), at a table in the cocktail hour space, on chairs in the hall, among the guests and (least favorite) in the kitchen.

I'm not a huge fan of sitting among the guests. It's awkward for them and I'm there to work... So unless I happened to know the guests, I'd prefer to eat separately (it's also usually much quicker than wedding dinners your guests are having, so it's easier if we're separate). I know DJ's get worried when they are asked to eat in a room separate from the reception (they want to keep an eye on the music). So, if your venue allows it, the best is that separate vendor table. With 5, you'll want something worked out ahead of time, but the venue knows best.

Our photographer specifically mentioned in the contract that they like to be seated in the room with the guests so they don't miss any photo opportunities. So in addition to checking with your venue, check with your other vendors.

Ask the venue; personally, I'm not a fan of vendors sitting with guests, but it is a good idea to have a table in the corner of the main room so they don't miss anything.

I plan on having a vendor table in the back corner for them to sit and eat real quick. seems like the nice thing to do.

Ask the venue but I wouldn't plan on a vendor table. Most venues have a separate place for them to eat and they shouldn't be seated for too long. 15 minutes tops.

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Enjoy!

I am going to say start with asking the venue/caterer. Some have a room for vendors to go to. Second, ask the vendor themselves. For example, some photographers don't like eating in a separate room because they don't want to miss anything. Sometimes things get switched on a timeline. If someone doesn't let them know and they are next door eating, then they won't be capturing that moment. We have djs who eat with our staff before your guests arrive. We have planners who sit with your guests. So it's a good idea to ask, ask and ask.

I just asked my photographer. She said vendors typically eat in the hallway away from guests. That just sounds so mean! LOL. I know they're working though... I just love my vendors.

I am planning on having a table towards the back for my vendors. My only vendors that require a meal are my 2 photographers and DJ. However, I am inviting all my vendors to eat after my guests have.