Vendor Meals

I think that you just need to assume that they will eat.

I would assume they will eat. Also check your contract most state that a meal should be provided. I emailed my photographer and dj and asked which meal choice they wanted so I can include it in my headcount for the venue.

For vendors that will be around for the reception as part of their jobs, I would provide a meal no matter what. For those that may or may not stay for the reception, i.e. musicians, officiant, etc, I would ask if they would like to stay and then order accordingly.

For the vendors who will be present during mealtime and where it's not specified in their contract, I'm assuming they will be eating. My venue has a reduced price for vendors so that may something asking about. If you're giving guest entree options, you could also ask your vendors to see if they will be eating.

I would ask. Luckily, it's in my photographer's contract. My DJ and videographer both have paperwork I need to fill out and send back regarding play lists, etc. and one of the questions is if a meal will be provided. My DOC doesn't have it anywhere in her contract but since she will be there all day, as will the DJ and videographer, obviously I will feed them. Also, my venue gives me a discount on meals for the vendors, which is good. All I have to do is ask them which of the two entrees they would prefer.

Great, thanks for the advice!

If it's not in her contract I would email her and say something like "hey I noticed the contract doesn't mention providing a meal, I just want to clarify that you do want one right?" Our band and photographer both have it in their contract that they require meals for everyone.

Id just ask her. Vendors usually eat right after all the guests have been served. And at my venue, vendors are a discounted price.

I would just assume they will eat. In the off chance you get someone shy or taken aback by the question, they could say no. They will be hungry. They have to spend time getting to your venue and then getting home. Definitely ample time to want a meal in there!

ETA: a meal wasnt in my photographers contract either. He ate while everyone else ate. No one wants photos when they are stuffing their faces with food anyways

Https://youtu.be/y_QZwX1hd5w

Don't believe the hype. Photographers will want to eat, they work all day they will be hungry.

"Hi Photographer - Our numbers are needed for our caterer. Please confirm if you will be eating a catered meal. If so, would you like the chicken, pork or beef. Thank you!"

Thank you Kristin for thinking of your vendors!

I am so glad somebody asked this.

I can file this under "Things I would have forgotten if it weren't for WW"

Following, I'm very interested in the feedback. My question is how do you determine how many you will be paying for? Meaning which specific vendors get the meal?

Yes definitely assume they are eating. Check your contract too, sometimes it says in there. We fed all of our vendors except the ceremony/cocktail musicians who were there for 2.5 hours but we offered it to them if they wanted, they politely declined.

I emailed my photographer and said, "We're having a yummy brunch at our reception, would you and your assistant like to have some?" and she said that although she doesn't require it in her contract, she doesn't refuse if offered. So I told her that's a yes.

So does that mean we should have a seat for the vendors as well? Where else would they eat?

We will be providing meals to our vendors. I wouldn't want it any other way!

@Danielle, you should ask your venue, they should have a place for your vendors to eat.