Vendor Meals

I had the option to have a separate much more affordable meal option for vendors but I actually ended up not doing that just because I needed a minimum number of guest meals aha

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Oh that worked out for you! I don't have a minimum per se since I'm having a destination wedding. Just wasn't sure if it looks bad to give them different meals. Although they're getting paid as well.

We are going to be doing the vendor meals provided by our venue. I think it is thoughtful to provide them a meal, because the other option we have seen is to ask them to "brown bag" it as our venue mentioned (essentially they bring their own snack/food). It does not have to be the more expensive meal that you will be providing to guests, and I am sure your vendors will appreciate it.

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Ok great! Thanks Belen. Brown bag *wow* Some of my vendors actually mentioned in their contract that we need to provide vendor meals. I do believe it's needed since most will be there the entire day. I think I'll just do half sandwiches and half salads.

Our venue is nearly all-inclusive and for the vendors/services they do not provide, they offer a Preferred Vendor. If we elect to hire one of their Preferred Vendors, their meals are at no cost to us. For many other reasons (mainly the discounts!!), we have elected to use all of the Preferred Vendors recommended by our venue (DJ & Officiant).

In your situation, I think your vendors would appreciate the quality meal you serve your guests. Or maybe give them the option?

FH and I decided to provide them with the meals our venue will be serving us. Now if your budget can only work with the vendors meals being $15 then do that, but if you do have the room I would suggest not to give them a "brown bag" lunch.

I always try put myself in their shoes and I understand they are getting paid for their services but lets face it those "brown bag" lunches aren't really even that good. I would want my vendors to be happy with a good meal then unhappy with a "sack lunch" and now their work isn't 100%.

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Yes I totally agree! There are vendors who will literally be there the entire day, so I think it is nice to offer them a warm meal. Right now we are considering meals for our DJ, videographer, & photographer, since they will be with us for several hours.

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You're so lucky! Unfortunately most of my vendors I went with an outside company because even with the outside vendor fee that they charge it still comes out cheaper for me. Their preferred vendor list is pretty small and overly priced.

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Agreed! I definitely don't want them to feel belittled. Ahhh decisions decisions!

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Yes, we are really lucky and it makes the entire process that much easier! All their vendors are super helpful and the discounts have helped us a lot. Good luck!!

Our venue doesn’t have a vendor option for meals, so they too get the same options as our guest. However, they do provide us with a discount for the vendor meals.

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Thanks! Love your name by the way lol

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That's nice of them and lucky for the vendors.

I would ask your vendors which they prefer. They may prefer the less expensive meal because it would probably be quicker for them to eat so they can get back to work!


The owner of the photography business we used said actively please DONT provide meals for the photographers, they prefer to bring their own food and basically whatever money you would’ve spent on an expensive vendor meal they’d prefer as gratuity lol. So just ask them!

I would check your contracts for anything about vendor meals. When we were comparing vendors and contracts there were some vendors that specifically stated in the contract they required a hot entree like your guest would get and not a vendor meal. There were also some who didn't want any meal so definitely look all that over.

If you're one of these $40+ ppl people, then a vendor meal is fine.
We're at $10/pp. So we will be serving them tacos.

View Quoted Comment Will do, thanks!

View Quoted Comment I’d be perfectly fine with that. I have Taco Tuesday’s every week at home lol.

View Quoted Comment Yes!! You too!

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Me, too.

Besides, it was a really long day and I thought my vendors deserved a good meal.