Vendor meals

It's normal for a vendor contract to require a meal. The alcohol part is unusual, though -- that would be drinking on the job.

I think this is very common for New Orleans second line bands, because the second line typically happens immediately after the ceremony and before the reception. And many (native) New Orleans weddings are huge parties where everyone is encouraged to join in! Meaning the band members are oftentimes offered alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, etc. by guests; and they are likely wanting to determine upfront whether it is OK for them to accept. At all the native New Orleans weddings I’ve been to, the second line brass bands have joined the cocktail hour and reception, and have eaten and imbibed right along with the rest of the guests!

The food part is normal (everyone should feed their vendors), but the alcohol part is not! I've never heard of a vendor who drinks on the job. That seems like a liability to me

The food part is normal only if they will be working 5+ hours with no chance to skip out for a half hour break during meal time to go to McDonald’s without missing something important. Working a half hour only doesn’t warrant a vendor meal though it is a nice gesture. No vendor needs to have alcohol on the job either as that impairs their abilities to perform as contracted.