Meals for Photographers/dj

Yes a meal for all your vendors.

I think I would provide meals to my vendors that will be available at the wedding... I wouldn’t want to be labelled as that rude bride who didn’t feed her vendors.

Most contracts should include a meal clause I know ours did.I would feed the vendors regardless because I know I get hangry if I don’t eat all day and don’t want any sloppy work due to hunger.

My photographer states in the contract that they are to be fed. I am planning on giving all my vendors the same entree offered to guests. This will be the DJ as well as my day of coordinator. All other venues will only be onsite for setup and removal at the end of the night so no meal needed for them. I think most venues also will provide vendors pop/juice/tea/coffee throughout the day.

Normally yes you would feed them, though most of them don't actually want a seat at an assigned table, especially with Covid. Your best bet is to look at your contracts or ask them, If you don't feed them then they will need to leave to get food at some point and you probably don't want that.

Absolutely include any external vendors who will work during and through your reception in your head count for food.

But to add to Amanda's comment, while the vendors won't (shouldn't) be drinking alcohol, I believe they should have access to other non-alcoholic beverages (within reason) for the sake of hydration. I recommend negotiating basic pop and coffee for your vendors. It's a long day and the last thing you want is for someone to be cranky while working your wedding, or need to make a 20+ minute Starbucks run just to fuel up.

Depending on how long you have hired them. I am paying for a plate for my photographer as I have hired her for 5 hours, but during that 1hr for dinner she is not working, and she said she will not charge me as I am feeding her.

Check your contract over with your venue. I know that with my venue, since they have an in-house DJ and officiant, you don’t have to feed them since it’s included in the contract. If it isn’t mentioned though, usually you’re expected to feed your vendors.

I believe you are supposed to provide a meal for Photographer and DJ. I am wondering if you need to provide a meal for your officiant. I have been told your supposed to, but thr officiant isn't staying all night like thr Photographer is so i wonder the etiquette for that.

My DJ is someone I would have at my wedding no matter what. Her and her husband will be having dinner with us. My photographer also will get dinner because we have her for 10 hours. My venue doesn't give a discounted rate so I'm telling my photographer to have fun after we are done with the photos (her sister will also be invited because I know them).

I would definitely feed them if they're with you for a long period of time. It should also say in your contract if you should have a seat and a plate for them at dinner. My fiance and I's contract stats right in there that since we have 2 of them for 12 hours, that we need to provide them with a meal

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No problem!
If you need anything else let me know! Happy Planning!

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Thanks, Amanda! This was really helpful

Hi Sarah,

It usually in your contract with your DJ & Photographers - I would suggest to feed them as you don't want them to leave to have to eat as they miss a moment, but they MUST eat during the day of course.

Usually your venue will actually give you a cheaper cost for your Vendors as they typically don't DRINK because they are working, for instance my venue is $140/per plate but my Vendors are $78/Per Plate.

I would definitely talk to your vendors to confirm though!