Feeding Vendor or Tip

We are having a 10 person band that costs a good amount of money. Our reception hall charges 2/3 of the dinner price for each person. That would cost us another $500. Is it really necessary to feed the band, especially since they will probably just take a 15 minute break? I think I would rather give them a tip. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

I know with my band, meal provision was written into the contract. It seems only fair to feed them, its quite a long day for them, when you factor in travel time to and from the wedding, setup and breakdown.

My RH did a BIG discount on vendor meals (for the photogs, band and video guy), it was about 1/3 of the pp cost for guests and they were seated in another room.

Talk to your RH and see (since you have such a LARGE band) if they will lower the per person for all of your vendors.

We also tipped the band as well at the end of the night....

I think that yes they should be fed. They are there working quite a few hours and ppl should be fed. Especially when you are using up so much energy you need something. They are human beings so if they get hungry they should have that option. Plus you don't want a band that will have less energy bc they are starving and maybe light headed.

Personally i think its the right thing to do

One of my vendors said it to me this way...Do you take a lunch at your job?
Everyone needs to eat. It is a long day for the vendors we hire to preform at our wedding. IMO I think it is very necessary to feed all of the vebdors that are there.

This topic comes up every now & then & there are always differing opinions. I sang in a wedding band for years so I will give you MY take.

Most bands will have it in their contract that you have to feed them. They will be at the RH before you & Leave long after you so it seems only fair to me. Its not like they can bring their own food.

Also, vendors do not eat the same meals as guests at almost every RH. So ASK your RH what they are serving the vendors. If they are charging 2/3 as you mention, they might be giving a full meal. Ask them if there is a scaled down version that costs less. We were often fed a plate of pasta & a salad or some chicken. Not the whole 5 courses.

That said, most couples do not tip the band. We were occasionally tipped but we did not expect it.

Your best bet it to ASK the band what they want. Sometimes, we get burnt out on RH food. Sometimes they would PREFER the tip. Some will offer to eat at the CH & save you the $. \ But some brides don't want the band eating/mingling at the CH. Just ask them flat out what they want. BUT if they say you do not have to feed them, I would definitely tip them.

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Posted by carolinebr

This topic comes up every now & then & there are always differing opinions. I sang in a wedding band for years so I will give you MY take.

Most bands will have it in their contract that you have to feed them. They will be at the RH before you & Leave long after you so it seems only fair to me. Its not like they can bring their own food.

Also, vendors do not eat the same meals as guests at almost every RH. So ASK your RH what they are serving the vendors. If they are charging 2/3 as you mention, they might be giving a full meal. Ask them if there is a scaled down version that costs less. We were often fed a plate of pasta & a salad or some chicken. Not the whole 5 courses.

That said, most couples do not tip the band. We were occasionally tipped but we did not expect it.

Your best bet it to ASK the band what they want. Sometimes, we get burnt out on RH food. Sometimes they would PREFER the tip. Some will offer to eat at the CH & save you the $. \ But some brides don't want the band eating/mingling at the CH. Just ask them flat out what they want. BUT if they say you do not have to feed them, I would definitely tip them.

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Most of the time you didn't get tipped, wow i am so shocked by that.

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Posted by ASE

Thanks for the advice! Food was not in their contract and we did not go through an agency. My fiance spoke to the band awhile ago about the food issue and the band leader said it wasn't necessary. But I feel guilty.

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In that case, you should offer the band to eat during the cocktail hour

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Posted by ASE

Thanks for the advice! Food was not in their contract and we did not go through an agency. My fiance spoke to the band awhile ago about the food issue and the band leader said it wasn't necessary. But I feel guilty.

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well from the OP it sounds like YOU dont want to feed them, you said you dont think its necessary. But if your fh is the one then maybe just talk to him about it