Do you count band member/photographer in your numbers?

You should count them in for food. If they will be there the whole time, they will want to be feed.

That sucks. We have the same issue. I get giving them drinks, but the food is expensive.

Yes they should be counted in the food count.

Some venues have "vendor" meals too. The vendors at my daughters wedding ate what the guests did.

Most venues have a special "vendors" meal that doesn't cost as much as the regular guest meals. I think they are used to eating somewhere out of the way (not with the guests)

Me being a musician who has played plenty of weddings, I've been in several different situations. Sometimes we are seated during the meal like everyone else and given the same food (usually a different musical group or an ipod would be playing music during this time). Other times couples have bought us a Subway sandwich platter for us to eat ahead of time, or during a set break. It probably mostly depends on when you want them playing.

Very helpful. Our venue doesn't provide the food. We are doing a caterer. I never thought of ordering them a different kind of food that's not as expensive, that's kind of a good idea.

I think I am just going to include them in. I mean, they are people, and I would hate for them not to eat.

I agree with providing food for the photographer since they are working 8 hours, but the band is different in my opinion. We are not doing a sit down dinner, instead we are doing heavy apps. So the band will be playing through most of the reception. Do we still have to privide dinner for the band then?

All vendors who will be there have to be fed. They are getting paid but they are not able to leave. We put them in our count for dinners. Personally I would feel like a rat if I did not give them the same food I am giving my guests. But it is totally up to you.

I did get a laugh when my Photographer found out who our caterer is. I asked if he would like to join us for dinner. He told me he could bring a sandwich. I asked if he really wanted to miss out on Stavros's cooking? His words were "Hell yes I want to eat dinner with you.!!!" I loved it and that is a wonderful endorsement for our caterer. By the way FH asked the Officiant the same thing and got the same reaction. I can't wait to be served.

To clarify, I think a lot of it depends on when you want the band to perform and what is agreed upon ahead of time. Like i mentioned before, I've been at weddings where I was treated exactly like a guest, I've been at others where they feed us sandwiches in a back room, and I've been at others where we had to set up for the gig, then jump in the van and run through McDonald's quick, scarf it, and then come back to play. Most of my wedding playing experience is with a big band (approximately 20 people), so we're used to the last two scenarios. But especially if you only have a handful of people playing (like a small rock band), I'd say bite the bullet and feed them....they'll be happier and hopefully play better! ;-D

@Christine, yes, the bad also should have some type of food.

Talk to the band. They'll let you know if they just want something light saved for them between sets, or if they will have time for a meal. Photographers and videographers: full meal. DJs: ask. Day-of Coordinator: depends on number of hours: ask. As for giving anyone drinks only...What??? Yikes!--you do NOT want anyone drinking..except for water or pop!

As an officiant, I never stay for the entire meal (not because I don't like you, but because my "job' is over, and it's a family party, which does not include me). I will usually stay for part of the cocktail hour, but I tell my clients not to include me in the count.

Unless your officiant is a personal friend, or a long time family friend (as in you've been going to church/temple for years and you really know them), they probably won't stay, but common etiquette is to invite them.

I was told to count them into the headcount and because my photographer (and assistant) and dj will be there for so long... and I'm having a buffet... I've just included them into my overall headcount.

We don't have this in our contract, but some vendors do have stipulations on meals. I would be sure that if you've agreed to hire a vendor that you do confirm what's in their contract on meals. This may answer some questions on hot or cold, when, and where, etc. Personally, I completely appreciate a hot meal on a long working day but I always have a PBJ and a diet coke in the car just in case .

Think of the service you'd get from someone if they hadn't eaten for X hours!

I would call them and ask them what they would like to eat. Some may not want rich wedding food due to diet or health concerns (allergies, etc), others may prefer it. Treat them with dignity and respect and they will treat you the same way.

As Celia said, it is polite to invite your officiant (ahead of time, please). Frequently, after the ceremony someone (not necessarily B or G or parents) will ask if I'm coming to the reception. At that point, I say I have other plans.

Good point Rosie--definitely ask before guessing what, if anything, any vendor would want. You never know that someone could be allergic to exactly what you serve them.

They should definitely be counted in for food. Ask your caterer about a special vendor meal, in our case the vendor meal was at a very discounted rate. Also, make sure to check about allergies. I know our photographer actually had it in the contract that she is allergic to shell fish just so there were no surprises.

Count them in, you don't want them leaving the premises to take their break and get food. It is only common courtesy to include your photographer, DJ or band and any other vendor that will be there with you the whole day in the food count.