Where does the DJ eat dinner??

Laura,

Usually not with the guests unless it's a very informal wedding. It's best if the DJ eats at a back room; e.g., off-stage and out of view of the guests.

I instruct my DJ's that guests should never see them eat, drink, or smoke. And, no food or drinks should be near the electronic equipment.

Dan

I hadn't really thought of WHERE the DJ will eat, just that we'll feed him. I had been wondering about the photographer, though. I figure she'll eat when we do since nobody will want their pictures taken while eating anyways. I suppose seating her with the guests makes the most sense.

My dj was offered a meal at half price. He said it was all up to us if he ate. If we really pushed it or not. He said he really doesn't eat at weddings. We never saw him eat but was told he did. I was also informed he was forced to drink 2 beers from a crazy table we had but, again never saw him drink those either. It would be weird if the vendors ate with us. It would be like the bartenders or the coordinator eating with us. It would just feel weird to me. I know photographer ate in the clubhouse bar she said thank you in the bathroom when we ran into each other. I don't blame her she was 7 month preg. at the time.

I know we are feeding our DJ ..I haven't even thought about where he would sit... I should send him an email asking him if he needs a seat at a table, cuz then I'd need to make sure there was one available .. Good Question!

Ask the DJ what his preference is. Natasha, as for your question: having the photographer eat when the couple eats is the best choice. That way, your photographer has eaten before you guys finish your meal and won't miss anything. As for the "where", somewhere where she can see the head table and where she isn't crammed into a corner that is difficult to get our of.

Typically I don't eat at weddings. If it's a very casual event, maybe...but typically not!

I don't care if the DJ or photog eats with everyone else. I don't see the big deal at all.

Rule of thumb is more than 4 hours and you provide a meal.

Normally in weddings we've coordinated where the vendors were fed, there was a table in the back that was decorated that we ate at. The DJ, as long as he had a partner or it was while he could let a few tracks spin on their own, he would sit behind his equipment (out of guest view) or at the table for vendors.

Normally with the extra table this is something your planner can coordinate with all vendors so that this really isn't an additional cost for the bride and grooms wedding budget.

Thanks guys I guess I'll check with the venue and see what they do. My friend had all the vendors sit at one table but I only have 2 vendors at the wedding, the venue is taking care of everything and I have family videoing & doing photos so that's why I was confused.

In the case of the vendors at my daughters wedding, they are all personal friends, so they will mingle with the other guests.

In a case where the vendors are not friends, I would set a separate table for them.

It really depends on the venue and the vendors. We're a bit picky and follow protocol/etiquette quite closely on this:

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Sue and I do not eat at weddings - EVER. We're typically on site 3 hours before the start of the first note of music, and an hour after it all ends - and we don't eat. We ask for non-alcoholic beverages be provided from whatever is on hand and you aren't charged for.

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In cases where vendor meals are provided anyway, we ask them to be boxed so we can eat AFTER the event.

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If the venue has a space out of sight, ALL vendors should be sent there or 'rotate' out so they can eat. They are the 'hired help' and not a guest.

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We just think professionals should be able to handle eating out of sight for a brief moment if necessary. I've attended and performed at some very 'high end' venues - and at every one the vendors ate out of the room. I can't leave, so I wait to eat until we're done.

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But our viewpoint isn't always 'appreciated' by other vendors. ;-)

I never thought of that... i know im feeding all my vendors. they are half off anyways. lol. but i didnt even think of where. i guess ill ask my dj if he could just put a playlist on or something while he eats. doesnt really matter much to me where he goes

My question is if your dj is off eatting what happens to the music?

Our DJ is a friend and will have a seat and is brining his FW but than while he eats who controlls the music??????

I had not thought about this since I've never seen a DJ eat at a wedding. I figure while he is doing his thing I'll offer him something to eat. If he doesn't accept I'll make him a to-go plate. Hired help or not, he deserves a meal for his hard work. If he wants to sit with guests, psh, why not?

Do you think it's weird to email my DJ and Photographers to see if they want meals before counting them in?

Cindy,

Check the contracts first. Some require meals. If it's not clear, or not on the contract, then email and ask if they need to be fed. If your venue has a 'vendor meal' - it can save you a substantial cost - particularly if your 'normal' meal is pretty pricey. But some vendors REQUIRE you feel them the same thing you feed guests and it's in their contracts.

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Lizzie,

Most DJ's I know of are capable of either using a playlist or a pre-recorded CD to handle the music briefly while they step out to eat. Some use an assistant to cover for them. Because we are so involved throughout the reception, we choose not to eat. I eat just before we arrive, and shortly after we leave. If I need to eat after we arrive, I bring a granola bar or other 'snack' for before we start. Working this way means we pay attention throughout the ENTIRE night and it also gives us a chance to 'wind down' afterwards and review.

Ours is very casual and the DJ is a friend of a friend. He's just going to eat when/where he feels like it - I'm even making sure I've got his favorite drink behind the bar

Mrs. Martin, I'm glad you posted this. Our tasting is this Thursday so another question to ask them. Sorry I couldn't help you

Were feeding our DJ but he can eat at his DJ stand cuz he is working lol.