Seating Chart and Vendors

I did. I think it's a nice gesture if you have room at a table. I put our photographer at a table with other guests (I didn't want anyone to eat alone) but I'm pretty sure he was so focused on work he just ate standing up. The DJ ate at his booth and the venue workers had their own area so I didn't put them at any tables.

It's a rare thing for a vendor to actually want to attend a reception as a guest. As a rule, I urge couples to avoiding seating their vendors with their guests. It's just a little weird. They don't know us, we don't know them, and honestly, most of us want to finish on a high note and get home. Most vendors I've spoken to who require a meal want to take their break, eat their vendor meals (as specified in their contract) in a sequestered area, enjoy their break, and get back to work as soon as possible. Just like everyone else, they want the workday to end as quickly as possible. We love you, but we get tired.

Talk to your venue manager or event coordinator. Make sure you know what's being served to vendors, where, and when. That's all they require -- a time, a place, and a meal.

If it's in their contract to be served a vendor meal then seat your hired guns at their own table. Please don't seat them with guests. Best wishes!

My venue included a vendor table in the layout

What kind of venue are you getting married at?

My semi-inclusive venue puts vendors in a separate room not too far from where the reception is being held.

Ours won't be on the seating chart, they will be eating in a separate room downstairs.

Yes you should! I made this mistake and luckily had some cancellations. Give them a seat to eat at!

We had a small table in the back for vendors. Although I believe only the photographer and her assistant ate there. The DJ ate at his booth and the caterer ate in their area. I wanted them in the same room so they could still see what was going on but still be able to sit and enjoy their meal.