Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

OK, so perhaps the only thing (so far) that FH and I are arguing about is who to tip and how much (I'll save that for another thread) and feeding the vendors at the reception. I've finally convinced him that you HAVE to feed the photographer(s)/Videographer because these people are putting in like a 12 hour day. But he is in complete disagreement with feeding the DJ since he'll only be there for 5 hours.

Now, our reception site offers 1/2 price meals only to house vendors, if we book anyone else we pay full price. As far as the DJ goes, FH feels that they're working 5 hours so they should not be entitled to a full meal (app, salad, intermezzo, entree, dessert, drinks), I actually agree with him on that, but you have to feed them something right? Has anyone worked with their reception hall on this as far as putting together a vendor meal of some sort? Has anyone NOT fed or intend NOT to feed the DJ??

Thanks!

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

IMO, any vendor who is at your reception, since they are performing a service for you, should be feed.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

I agree, all vendors should be fed regardless of the time they put in.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

Yep, they all have to be fed. Although I completely disagree with any hall that will charge a full plate price for a vendor that isn't recommended by them. I think that's awful. They will not be eating every course, and will not be eating at the cocktail hour. That's a ripoff.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

Also, vendor's don't drink....that is one of the major factors that go into the per person cost - alcohol. But I agree, all vendors need to eat. You can't have one of them sitting there with no food watching everyone else eat.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

it may be the hall that is ripping you off (full price - i had the same thing) but don't punish the vendor just because the hall is charging too much. that's not fair. they need to be fed too.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

I agree with everyone. All vendors need to be fed. I said this in another thread like this one, my father was a DJ. He was fed at every wedding he went to. My hall is charging less then half for outside venders and not at all for their vendors.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

They should absolutely be fed. They need the fuel to do their best at you party. Check with your hall again. See what they would charge just for an entree.
Jeez.. they are working a long day... the band or DJ may only be there for a few hours but they are doing their best to get your guests out on the dance floor making your wedding a memorable one.

Tell FH feed the DJ!

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

Also, don't forget that while the DJ is only 'performing' for 5 hours, there are additional hours that are added onto that for travel, set up beforehand, break down afterwards, etc., so the day may be longer for them than you realize.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

DJ won't have time to eat all that anyway.

Talk to your hall manager or caterer. They will tell you how to handle it.

If they don't (and I would be surprised if they didn't) then the DJ should get 1 course, the main meal, and a slice of cake and coffee. Drinks - soda or water - should be on the house I think.

I can't even imagine that the other vendors would eat all the entrees. They are working - yes feed them but they probably only expect one course and maybe dessert. I mean if they sat down and ate all the courses then they wouldn't really being doing their job right?

I hope I'm not wrong...if any vendors on here see this and go 'hello not right' let me know. I only assume that's how it would work but maybe I'm wrong.

When in doubt - talk to the hall.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

I was told the vendor meal differs from the 'guest' meals. I don't think it's as elaborate. I does bite that the place is only going out for house vendors.

Still all vendors should be fed. My DJ said he didn't care one way or the other, but I think it's only proper that we should.

My $.02

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

our hall charged $50 for each vendor...we fed everyone.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

i think all vendors should be fed..djs may be there for 'just 5 hours'... but they also take time to set up, before that, and break it down after.. so it really becomes over 5 hours...... i know my photographers contract says 'meals are appreciated'.. its not required but nice(do onto others as you would want done onto you thing)

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

What does your contract say?

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

I also agree that all vendors should be fed.

Howver, I was in complete agreement w/your FH & was trying to get out of feeding the DJs, until my Mom brought up a good point. The DJs should get there before everyone else to set up, run sound checks & whatever else they need to do. She figures this could take 1-2hrs, so in actuality they are probably putting in a 5-7hr day, minimum.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

& I didn't think about the breakdown part of it! they must be there another hour maybe more taking it all down!

I think that is a ripoff re: your site to charge you extra for outside vendors. Can you say 'kickbacks?'

If my hall tried that with us, I'd take the difference outta THE RECEPTION SITE'S TIPS!

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

bump for new advice...

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

Of course you have to feed your vendors....it is ridiculous (sp) not to. My hall is charging me full price and I have never thought not to feed them.

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

We are feeding all vendors that will be with us for the duration of the day. I think the only one we are not feeding is the florist who I believe will just drop off, set up and leave.

Vendor meals are not the same as 'guest' meals. I am pretty sure it's just an entree with sides and not cocktails, dessert etc...........

Re: Feeding Vendors at the reception (a little long).....

Feed the vendors. Some halls let you bring in hoogies or pizza for the vendors if you don't want a full meal.