Reception - Vendors Meal

I didn't have to include them because they worked for the resort where we got married. However, you may have to. Check with your caterer/banquet hall.

Vendors are normally a separate count and often times seated somewhere separate from your guests. Most venues will charge a lower price for your vendor meals but you can get lucky sometimes and find a venue that doesn't charge for them (depending the number of vendors). Talk with your venue to find out their policy and then talk to your vendors to see if they would like a meal. Surprisingly, I've actually seen some vendors refuse meals when offered.

Most venues will provide a box lunch for vendors, less than your plated or buffet meal. If you know them personally and they are actual guests at the wedding, you may include them in your count. Depending on the time of day, they may not want one.

For those of you thinking about hiring a photographer, videographer, DJ, or any other vendor, trust me on this advice I'm about to share. Be thoughtful to your vendors and your vendors will go over the top and give you more than you ever negotiated for. Please ask your venue what they will give as the vendor meal. Some people have reported having a brown bag lunch. Some have had a loaf of white bread and luncheon meat left in a separate room.

Actual Vendor Meal the photographer got:

You want your vendors to eat in the same room as your other guests, but at a separate table in an inconspicuous place. They will be very grateful.

Unfortunately and fortunately we had a few no-shows so the vendors enjoyed those meals. However we would have fed them anyways.

My WC said always pay for an extra 5% of meals if the vendors are not in the practice of making extra as a courtesy (mine did however)....If its a buffet meal the vendor usually makes enough for an extra 4-5 guests anyways. So if you pay for 110 guests, they usually make arounf 115 or more. If its plated, definitely ASK the caterer or vendors their policy. However even if you are paying them(your vendors), you likely negotiated a decent price so if your per person cost is less than about 20-25 dollars, go ahead and include them in the meal cost BUT ask your vendors if they expect to eat. My photographer (who I loved and would have fed him a 50.00 meal) said he does NOT expect or want to eat cause he was so focused on working. So had our guest list been tight, meaning we had just enough....it would have been fine. If you are paying more than 30.00 per person (eating steack, shrimp, lobster and are high budget), you may order a NICE meal (not brown bag), but it may be a chicken breast meal with salad, rolls, starch, soft drinks/tea/water, cake of course.....IF your guests are eating lobster and steak...chicken is usally cheaper...And make sure they get a reserved table....Its classy and in good taste.....My WC of course took care of the details cause I totally forgot!

Rosetta and Bumble said all that I wanted to say. Never isolate your vendors of the day.

[quote="MsSTBMrs"] I really don't want any of my vendors to cut me to death on my wedding day.

[/quote]

LMAO

I personally find nothing wrong with the vendors eating separately as long as the accommadations for them are acceptable and in good taste. I guess if space & budget allows for them to be included in the same room, then okay but be aware this would require an extra centerpiece, linens, chair covers, etc. thereby increasing your overrall costs.

I just don't like to picture them in a corner somewehere all alone eating. I don't know and ultimately it's up to the couple, but for me, it all brought about the whole separation and such. By all means, negotiate alternate menus for your vendors because you can't afford to give me caviar and lobsters, but don't totally isolate them as you never know when you'll need them again.