Formal invitation for photographer and DJ?

Since they are people you know personally It would be a nice gesture to give them a formal invitation.

If you have contracts with these people, I wouldn't send a formal invitation. Technically, they're vendors and you're paying them (even if you know them). A formal wedding invitation blurs the lines as they aren't really guests, they're vendors.

I wasn't planning on sending my vendors invites but I have heard of people doing so. Like Elle said, that would be nice since you do know them personally.

Sometimes the photogs like to take a pic of your invitation.

If the DJ has the invitation, he has the correct names for the two of you (and maybe parents) for introductions.

I sent the photographer an invitation for pictures. I also brought extras the day of.

I would. I love getting them because they give me another insight into the couple I'm writing about. And if they are friends even more reason.

Hmmmm....I don't get doing this at all. Your vendors have a contract to be there and provide services.

I personally didn't do it but as @Celia said it's a good way for vendors to kind of get to know you. I know this may make it even more confusing but it's really a personal choice. If I had to do it again I would only send to photographer and not DJ

I plan to send one to the deacon. I hadn't even thought of bringing a extra for pictures! Adding that to my list!

I usually don't get them....when I have, I was thinking, well helloooo of course I'm going to be there, lol....but thank you for the kind invite

None of us are going to think we're guests, lol....

In eighteen years of photographing weddings I have never received an invitation. It is my responsibility to get to know my clients long before their wedding day and receiving an invitation in the mail would be a mute point. it is a nice gesture but really not necessary. In my experience it has been customary to have at least one invitation at the reception which gives your photographer the opportunity to photograph it. While knowing your photographer on a personal level it is still very important for him to understand his responsibilities. He should know he isn't there to party but to document the most important day of your lives together as a couple. Good luck to you both and I hope you have the wedding of your dreams.

Ughhh!! I didn't even think of this!!!!

Our photographer requires us to send her a formal invitation prior to the wedding- its actually written in our contract!

I never thought of this hmmm :\ I would as they are friends I don't think I'd do so otherwise.

A photographer probably needs an invitation for the photos. Do the rest of your vendors? No, they don't. It's nothing a bride has to worry about. We've been invited to attend, as guests, at least a third of the weddings we are contracted for (without a formal invitation). We always politely decline.

I've asked lots of vendors and photographers about this and they all said that it's silly.