What is the protocol for feeding the vendors at your wedding? DJ, Photographer etc.? I am not sure I would be too happy if I have to pay full price for them.
You should feed all of your vendors (and assistants) that spend the entire day with you - most of their contracts state that - not to mention, they'll be pretty cranky if they work 8-12 hours without a meal. :)
Have you booked your reception site yet? All of them give at least a 1/3 off for vendors and some give 1/2 off.
Absolutely. Just think about how you would feel if you had to work all those hours on an empty stomach. I made sure to tell my vendors they were getting a meal. When I had my last visit with them I made sure to say 'we are providing a meal for you so feel free to enjoy the food'. They were all very grateful. They'll do a better job for you if they know you are taking care of them. At this point, what's another hundred dollars to do the right thing. Good luck.
I don't think its a bad idea to ask the dj if he wants a meal.. if he wants it, get it.. but he may not even want it.
Our band told us not to bother paying for them to eat, that they wouldn't have time to eat it anyway!
We are feeding all of our vendors and their assistants (6) total - once we met our guaranteed minimum the meals were 1/2 price for vendors...totally worth it. I can't go like 3 hours without food so I can't imagine letting them go with nothing.
I don't think you should have to feed the DJ if he is just there for 4 hours or so. I don't know what I am going to do though about the band. 7 people and only 1/3 off the cost. I would rather tip them more than feed them. You should definitely feed the photographer and his/her assistants. It's a long day!
We will be feeding all our vendors. At John Anthony`s, house vendors are free while outside vendors are 1/2 price. Luckily for us, after signing with JAs and getting the house list, it was updated and our photographer/videographer was added. I have no problem feeding our dj. He`ll be there for five hours, but he won`t just be walking in the door as the cocktail hour is to start, and he won`t be running out the door the second the clock strikes what is supposed to be the end. Plus, why should he be stuck at his stand while the rest of everyone else is sitting down to dinner? It`s a nice little extra that will be well deserved.
All of my vendors are being fed at 1/2 price pp. A table will be set up in a different room so that they will not be eating near the guests. All the halls I've been to offer the vendors meals at 1/2 off.
Think I need to go back and check our contract. In my earlier post I think I got my fees mixed up. House vendors are half price and non house vendors are full price. Hope this didn`t cause any confusion or conflicts. Sorry!
