My photographer wants me to provide food(?)

This is completely normal. Ask your venue/caterer about “vendor meals”— ours were cheaper than our full per guest cost because they didn’t include apps/desserts/bar fees. So our vendor meals were literally just the cost of the dinner.
I’d also expect to feed some other vendors who are there all day. Many include it in their contracts— even specifying “hot meal”

I guess I just didn't think about it because the timeline didn't make sense. The whole ordeal will take place in 5 hours, so I didn't expect to provide meals I guess. I totally don't mind, as long as I'm not paying the normal price. (I'm not trying to sound cheap, but yes - I'll be a little stingy when certain friends/family members aren't getting an invite because of the price.) I just emailed my wedding planner & event coordinator to see what protocol is in place. At the very least, I can provide a gift card and they can eat onsite since the wedding is at a hotel, which has nice Quick Service dining options. Hope that helps

I believe it’s protocol to feed your vendors, but don’t quote me on that. Talk to your venue though, they may have options for vendor meals. My venue is feeding our vendors free of charge.

Meals weren't required in my vendor contracts but I provided them anyway, I thought it would be rude not to (for 2 photographers, 1 videographer, 2 DOCs, 1 MC, 1 DJ, 1 lighting tech, and 2 babysitters). The rate for vendor meals at my venue was 1/2 that of a guest meal. It does add up and is just another thing you have to factor into your budget.

I think there is some sort of etiquette related to the amount of hours someone works for your wedding and having the expectation to be fed.

The photographer is one of the people that are there the longest (and them remembering to pack a lunch, having to walk all the way to their car, make sure they packed something that was not needing refrigeration, then walking all the way back would usually take a lot longer than 30 minutes) and they are there the entire time you and your guests are and they are going to be hungry as well.

Video on feeding vendors (who does and does not get food)

I posted an entire video ^ here for you to help you plan ☺️

I hope that helps!

Yes, normal. Our vendor meals are 1/2 the price of everyone else's. We will be providing meals to 5 band members, 1 DJ, and 2 photographers. As per their contracts.

Totally normal. All of the photographers, DJs, planners, and videographers I’ve looked at have required we feed them (which I have no problem with). My venue though has discounted plates for vendors.

You should definitely feed your vendors.they are going to be there all day with you; its rude not to.. also, most venues offer discounted rates for vendors (my venue charges half price for vendors for example and even less if we used one of their preferred vendors)

That’s not weird at all....it would be rude not to provide them with a meal. Your caterer should offer a vendor meal. My plate is 225$ pp but our vendor meals are only 30$.

Our photographer & videographer had it in their contracts that we provided a meal. Our caterer provided a "vendor meal" that was cheaper since it didn't include appetizers or salad/bread. We provided food for security, DOC, and DJ too.

You are supposed to feed all your vendors.

I think that just about all my vendors have this on their contract. It says a meal but be provided. I thought it was normal.

So sorry to hear you couldn't hire your dream photographer.. I had the same experience! I wanted to hire one company so badly, but they were way out of budget and I just couldn't justify it. It is not out of the norm for a vendor to ask for or expect food. Think about, they're with you most of the day and will definitely need to stop to eat at some point. That's a high price for your venue so I can totally understand you panic in thinking about feeding 2 more people. However, ask your venue if they have vendor food. Most venues charge a discounted rate for your vendors and they may have a different food option for them, or they may feed them what your guests are having. Also think about where they'll sit or if there's somewhere they can eat.

Thank you all for your answers! This post very clearly tells me that this is normal, and I just didn't know the protocol. So thank you all again. I have ALREADY reached out to my planner, and we've coordinated a meal for them for a discounted price. I'm sure people will continue to comment, but thanks anyway for your help you guys. Greatly appreciate all of the nice people out there!

I guess I just didn't think about it because the timeline didn't make sense. The whole ordeal will take place in 5 hours, so I didn't expect to provide meals I guess.

My wedding planner did reach out and let me know that the price was heavily discounted, almost 70% off of the normal price for meals. Hope that helps

It’s normal but usually your venue provides a “vendor meal” which is usually a sandwich with a few items at a fraction of the price $30-$50). Ask you le venue.

View Quoted Comment I wouldn’t give them a giftcard and tell them to go find food... they only have a 30 minute break, and making them spend 15-20 minutes of that limited time running around in a hotel to order food is kinda... well. If your venue doesn’t offer discounted meals for vendors, have actual non-perishable food (i.e. protein bars, water, and a pb&j) ready and accessible for them. You’re an employer in this case and should make sure they can actually relax on their break Like others have said, they’ll be much happier and do their job better when they’re fed and can rest their feet.

You absolutely need to feed your help! It's not fun to have hangry people working for you for 8 hours nibbling on old cheese doodles from their car. Venues charges less for vendor meals because they don't include alcohol in the cost.

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Correct - Already did! It'll be $50 plates, thanks

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Got it worked out - It'll be $50 plates, thanks