Giving a meal to your photographers, photobooth attendants, etc?

Some vendors require it in their contracts. We had some require it, some not. Any vendor who is there all day we are feeding (minus caterers, who feed themselves), so DJ, photographer & assistant, day of coordinator and videographer!

The minister and wife were invited to join us and we don't have any others.

I actually do wedding photography with my friend's small company and it's always appreciated when they at least offer to feed us. Because of time constraints or dietary needs we don't always accept the meals, but oftentimes we do. Being a vendor at a wedding is generally a really long day, especially for photography or videography because you're usually there before the ceremony, then stay at least a couple hours into the reception. Even though we bring protein bars and stuff if we get desperate, it's nice to have a meal available considering we're pretty much gonna be working for 6-10 hours on average. Also keep in mind that your vendors could be driving long distances as well, making the day a lot longer. And they can't exactly leave for a break to grab a bite usually. Also, as a side note, the vendor meals aren't always the same portion size as what's fed to the guests so I doubt that the price is even has to be the same as a normal plate. Everyone working at my wedding will be fed from the buffet.

I'm feeding my vendors except the DOC because she is with the venue and caterer. She said she didn't need one because she will just grab a plate in the back when she is hungry. The venue doesn't do vendor meals at a different cost because our bar is not included (its a separate head count) and they select from our meal offerings.

I’m feeding all of my venders/people I hire. It’s a full work day, people got to eat.

We are feeding all of our vendors that will be on site and in most of their contracts a hot meal is required.

If they were working for us, we told them to get food. To take a moment and eat. Some said they didn't, and some said thank you and ate when there was a lull.

Always give vendors options to eat.

I am feeding my 2 bar tenders, my DJ, and my photographer.

We have to feed our vendors, per our contracts. Photographers, videographer, photo booth attendants, and DJ/musicians will all have meals provided. Our venue provides discounted meals for our vendors.

We’re feeding our vendors as well. The venue offers vendor meals, $40 a person. Big no for a cold sandwich. So we’re getting them Chipotle through Uber eats. One of my bridesmaids will be in charge of this task so I know they’re fed!

I'm including them all in my head count.

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Great idea!

We fed all of our vendors. I think it’s rude to not feed them.

Absolutely. My bartenders, photographers, videographer, coordinators, and DJ will be fed regardless of whether the requirement is in the contract. Each of those vendors will be at the venue at least 6 hours (over 10 for the coordinator) so they need to be fed.

I plan to ask each vendor that would be around during the meal if I can save a seat for them or even just a to-go box for them. They've been working all day to make you happy. At least offer.

It was in our contract with our photographer that they are to be fed but we will encourage everyone to eat.

We are. In fact, it's included in our photographer's contract that if we do not provide a meal, she can leave for up to an hour to eat and this goes against the time we hired her for.

Yes, we definitely had meals for our vendors. Our catering company provided the same meals for our vendors and guests.

Most vendor contracts will specify if you should provide a meal. You will then need to relay this info to your caterer, who may or may not offer a discount for these meals. Some caterers provide the same meal that is offered to you guests while others offer a sandwich, chips, drink combo. Your Photographer, Videographer, DJ, DOC or wedding planner, photo booth attendants, and any other vendor who is working during your event should at least be offered a meal.

I’m including my DJ, photographer, and Officiant in my head count. It’s customary to provide a meal for them.